The development of leaders remains a critical challenge facing
health care organizations today. Tumultuous change is occurring at
breakneck speed, creating the need for individuals who can lead
others effectively during these demanding times. Required are leaders
who create the direction, win the commitment of followers and
other key stakeholders, and influence others to do what needs to be
done to achieve a future strategic vision. Unprecedented changes
are occurring in health care’s executive and managerial roles and in
the manner in which health care organizations function. Health
care leaders must assume nontraditional roles for which they may
feel inadequately equipped; new roles demand mastery of new and
different skills. Present leaders face a tremendous challenge in balancing
the demands of day-to-day organizational life while continually
learning for the future.