LEADS+ Developmental Model: Proposing a new model based on an integrative conceptual review

Abstract

BackgroundLeaders in academic health sciences centres (AHCs) must navigate multiple roles as an inherent component of their positions. Changing accountabilities, varying expectations, differing leadership capabilities required of multiple leadership roles can be exacerbated by health system disruption, such as during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We need improved models that support leaders in navigating the complexity of multiple leadership roles.MethodThis integrative conceptual review sought to examine leadership and followership constructs and how they intersect with current leadership practices in AHCs. The goal was to develop a refined model of healthcare leadership development. The authors used iterative cycles of divergent and convergent thinking to explore and synthesise various literature and existing leadership frameworks. The authors used simulated personas and stories to test the model and, finally, the approach sought feedback from knowledge users (including healthcare leaders, medical educators and leadership developers) to offer refinements.ResultsAfter five rounds of discussion and reformulation, the authors arrived at a refined model: the LEADS+ Developmental Model. The model describes four nested stages, organising progressive capabilities, as an individual toggles between followership and leadership. During the consultation stage, feedback from 29 out of 65 recruited knowledge users (44.6% response rate) was acquired. More than a quarter of respondents served as a senior leader in a healthcare network or national society (27.5%, n = 8). Consulted knowledge users were invited to indicate their endorsement for the refined model using a 10‐point scale (10 = highest level of endorsement). There was a high level of endorsement: 7.93 (SD 1.7) out of 10.ConclusionThe LEADS+ Developmental Model may help foster development of academic health centre leaders. In addition to clarifying the synergistic dynamic between leadership and followership, this model describes the paradigms adopted by leaders within health systems throughout their development journey.

How to … grow a team in clinical education research

“…Building a team also requires a leader to know how their team needs to develop its abilities on an individual or collective basis to be able to complete any proposed future endeavours that arise from ongoing work 13,18 . In this process can be useful to use particular models or conceptual frameworks as a guide to identify needs and the approaches to use (e.g., LEADS+ by 19 ). It is also important to consider sustainability and longevity in the approach taken in growing a team by using approaches such as working with students as partners 11 .…”