Leadership isn’t about fitting into a preset mold. It’s about standing in your power, staying true to who you are, and leading in a way that aligns with your core values, passions, and strengths. For women physicians, balancing the demands of healthcare with authentic leadership can feel challenging. But when we tap into our authentic selves, we not only lead better, but we also inspire those around us to do the same.

What Does It Mean to Lead Authentically?

Authentic leadership is about aligning your actions with your inner values. When you lead authentically, you’re not merely following instructions or aiming to meet someone else's expectations; you’re making choices rooted in your beliefs and priorities. This alignment doesn’t just create confidence—it helps you make a deeper impact.

Step One: Identify Your Core Values

To lead authentically, you first need clarity about what matters most to you. Start by listing all the values that come to mind. Don’t censor yourself; there are no “wrong” values here. Once you have a full list, narrow it down to your top 3-5. These are your core values, the ones you wouldn’t compromise even in challenging situations. They might include things like integrity, compassion, resilience, or innovation.

These core values will become your guiding principles. When you make decisions, whether about patient care, team dynamics, or career growth, aligning those choices with your values keeps you grounded and helps others see the sincerity in your leadership.

Embracing Uniqueness in Leadership

Each person brings unique experiences, insights, and strengths to the table. When you’re confident in your values, you don’t need to lead like anyone else. The leadership journey of a female physician is unique, often influenced by the experiences of practicing medicine in a field where traditional leadership styles might not always resonate. Allow yourself the freedom to create a style that feels right for you.

Some leaders find that their strengths lie in empathy and communication, while others shine in strategic decision-making or mentoring. Recognize these strengths and use them as your leadership toolkit. Leadership doesn’t have to be loud or forceful to be effective; sometimes, it’s the quiet strength, the listening ear, or the steady encouragement that leaves the greatest impact.

Building Confidence to Lead

Confidence in leadership is built through consistency and self-reflection. As you continue to make choices that honor your values, that confidence grows naturally. Be patient with yourself—leadership isn’t a destination but a lifelong journey. Along the way, seek out mentors, engage with other women physicians, and continue learning from each experience.

Authentic Leadership in Action

In practical terms, authentic leadership might mean setting boundaries that allow you to care for your own well-being, advocating for changes that benefit patients and healthcare staff alike, or mentoring other women physicians to find their own paths. It’s about creating an environment where others feel empowered to bring their full selves to their work as well.

As a woman physician, leading authentically means embracing the dual power of your professional expertise and your unique self. By staying true to your core values and continually aligning your work with your passions, you’ll cultivate a leadership style that not only drives results but also inspires everyone around you.

Discovering Your Leadership Model

Along with understanding your core values, defining a personal leadership model is key to leading authentically. A leadership model is a system of concepts and practices that represent your unique approach to leadership. It’s a guiding framework that helps people—including yourself—better understand your way of leading. Your model can be a blend of established theories and your personal experiences, tailored to reflect what resonates with you.

For instance, you might be drawn to a transformational leadership style, which focuses on inspiring and uplifting others to create positive change. Or perhaps a servant leadership model aligns with you, where you lead by serving the needs of your team and patients. Regardless of the model, the important part is that it’s authentic to you and supports your values and strengths.

Creating Your Unique Leadership Model

1. Reflect on Influential Leaders: Think about the leaders who have impacted you most. What qualities did they embody? What practices made them effective? Use these reflections to identify aspects you might want to incorporate into your own model.

2. Combine Values and Strengths: Think of your core values and strengths as the foundation of your model. For example, if compassion and resilience are core values, your model might include practices that prioritize emotional well-being and adaptability in challenging situations.

3. Define Your Key Practices: Once you have a clear sense of your values and strengths, outline a few key practices that align with them. This could include regular team check-ins, prioritizing open communication, or dedicating time for mentoring others.

4. Test and Evolve Your Model: As with any approach, your leadership model will grow as you gain experience. Reflect regularly on what is working, where you feel aligned, and any adjustments that could make your approach even more effective. Authentic leadership is dynamic, and it’s okay to evolve your model as you learn.

By developing your leadership model, you create a powerful tool to guide your actions and communicate your approach to others. It provides clarity not only for you but also for those you lead, helping them understand what they can expect from you and how you aim to inspire and support them. Embracing your unique model allows you to step confidently into leadership, knowing that you’re building something sustainable, impactful, and true to who you are.

For further resources or personalized guidance on authentic leadership, feel free to reach out to Dr. Linda Lawrence, who is passionate about empowering women physicians to lead with confidence and authenticity.