Michael Younger on situational leadership

This is the second time Penna has supported HSJ’s Top Chief Executives. The same exercise in 2014 gave a clear view of what good NHS leadership looked like, but how do you assess it?

When things are working well and staff deliver good services, performance metrics are in the right place, people aren’t waiting for four hours in accident and emergency and referral to treatment is below 18 weeks, then it is easy to assume it is a well led organisation.

But what happens when the numbers don’t stack up? When winter pressures and high demand on services become critical? When performance targets aren’t achieved? When staff are disengaged?

This is when good leaders come to the fore. Leading in tough times is almost becoming a cliché, but that is what good NHS leaders do. They face the challenges, take tough decisions, take personal responsibility and make things work.

They empower their people to make critical risk assessments and continue to provide the highest quality of healthcare provision in the face of increased regulation and scrutiny, financial pressure and uncertainty.

HSJ’s Top Chief Executives looks beyond performance metrics and ratings. Good leadership exists across the provider spectrum. Situational leadership is key. This supplement proves that across the system there are many examples of great leadership, whatever the circumstances of the trusts they lead.

‘Leading in tough times is almost becoming a cliché, but that is what good NHS leaders do’

Simon Stevens recently called for a “new cadre of leaders” who can operate broadly across their health economy. Penna’s experience with NHS providers indicates that we already have leaders who share this mindset and are shaping the provider landscape of the future.

As a business, Penna focuses on people - finding them, developing them and maximising their potential. This supplement resonates well with our core values and we are proud to recognise the achievements of these 50 inspirational leaders.

Michael Younger is healthcare sector lead - interim management at Penna