From expert to superior: qualitative analysis of reasons for seeking leadership training
BackgroundEvery leader needs a set of different skills that can be practised. One leadership and management course in Finland is the Medical Specialist leadership course. There has been little research looking at the hopes and expectations of attendees of these courses.
MethodsQualitative content analysis was chosen for analysing the data. The material consisted of 30 application forms and 21 questionnaires completed by the participants.
ResultsMost of the reasons why participants were attending the course were not clear. Some of the concrete areas where participants saw needs were financial understanding, administrative work, better understanding of healthcare systems, human resource management, self-management and leading change. Many leaders also recognized the need for peer support and learning with colleagues.
ConclusionsMedical doctors and dentists who have been working in a leading role do not have a clear vision on what they want to achieve with their leadership training. Participants mainly wished to learn management skills.
Mirva Matikka, Tiina Tuononen, Päivi Rautava, Johanna Lammintakanen
Mirva Matikka
M.D., Doctoral Researcher
University of Turku, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health