LAUSR

Leadership is one of the nine key competencies expected of all surgeons; yet for most surgeons their understanding of exactly what this means in everyday practice is limited. There is very little training in leadership as a core competency in medical schools or in subsequent surgical training. In general, more focus has been directed at equipping surgeons with the skills they need for positional leadership roles (where there is designated authority, something more relevant to those in mid or late career) than to their role as leaders in their daily clinical work. This article outlines what small ‘l’ leadership means as a core surgical competency. It applies specifically to every surgeon in their daily practice, whether it be in the operating theatre, outpatient clinics, at clinical meetings or in teaching. This is irrespective of whether they have any overt or formal leadership ambitions. It also provides an insight into how the recently released Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) course on ‘Surgeons as Leaders in Everyday Practice’ provides surgeons with the knowledge and skills they require to develop and refine these core leadership skills. Leadership is different from management, despite considerable overlap between the two. Each is essential, and needs to be done well. Management is focused on processes, systems, plans and schedules so as to ensure work is conducted effectively and objectives are achieved. Leadership is focused on strategic direction, motivating others and concern for well-being and safety, and helps operational elements to be delivered efficiently. Surgeons, their teams and their patients will benefit from training in both leadership and management. This paper is focused on leadership.