Raising Emotional Intelligence - Clinical Leads @ Leeds CCG

Natures Coaching Testimonial

 

Context 
Following a successful clinical leadership development programme for Leeds North CCG, the new emerging Leeds CCG (which was the coming together of the 3 Leeds CCG's), wanted to support all their clinical leads at this time of transition.
The 3 separate CCG's had been in a state of flux as they jointly worked through what the new future would look, both structurally and in terms of the requirements and skills for clinical leadership in the new larger CCG.
The clinical leads had been in their roles for various lengths of time, working within their individual CCGs, although had started to work more collaboratively across the city. Their levels of experience and development in leadership was limited and varied, as these roles were often their first leadership roles outside of their GP practices.

Approach  

Recognising the challenges of changing health systems and the key role these clinical leaders have in improve the health pathways across the city, it was clear that skills such as collaboration, influencing and resilience were critical to success. On that basis we chose the following emotional intelligence 360 profile to help raise self awareness and facilitate their personal development, with the aim of better equipping them for their future roles.

The Emotional social competency inventory used (ESCI), is the most validated behavioural measure of emotional intelligence, developed in partnership with Daniel Goleman (internationally know psychologist who developed the concept of EI). Research has demonstrated the correlation between high levels of emotional intelligence and leadership success. This 360 tool measures 12 competencies that deliver high performance,comparing an individual’s self view with the perceptions of a range of raters. The report notobviously provides ‘scores’ by competency and rater but also requires raters to givefeedback on overall strengths and areas for development which is particularly helpful.

Having completed the questionnaire (along with raters including manager, clinical and managerial peers), each of the Clinical Leads had a 4 hour coaching and feedback session with an experienced coach. The coaches all had significant experience of working within the NHS and Leeds CCG’s specifically. This session allowed individuals to have the time to reflect, work through current issues/challenges, discuss feedback received and agree a plan for future personal development. The option of further coaching to support their on-going development was also offered.

Following on from the 1-1 sessions and to support the organisation, we pulled together the following feedback on how the sessions had benefitted the clinical leads and their thoughts on the support they needed going forwards to help their ongoing development.

Individual Feedback
What did you like/appreciate/enjoy/ about the session?

An understanding of the impact of my leadership/management style and communication skills.

Identification of areas for further investigation and development.

Made me realise that what I am doing is good and that I have a lot more to offer.

Has provided ways of moving forward to achieve more in the future.

Increased my confidence and belief in myself.

Facilitation / Coaching helped me see perspectives I would not have otherwise considered. The coach worked with me in an open, honest and value adding conversation.

Understanding my strengths and weaknesses and how to work on these, especially around influencing people.

It helped me understand what the focus of all of my roles were.

It has left me feeling more positive about my roles. It has made me feel more confident about myself and encouraged me to continue in my roles.

I have also had encouragement from the positive elements of the feedback that I have significant strengths in my CCG role. With this I have recognised that whilst the opportunity is there I should at present continue to balance leadership alongside patient facing clinical practice roles.

It has provided an opportunity to reflect on relationship management and opportunities for development.

Understanding of self reported vs. external reported. Verbatim comments particularly useful, informative and offer consideration for development

Have decided to discuss and develop my role in guiding and mentoring the next generation of clinical leaders.

Offered an understanding of the use of NLP techniques in emotional preparedness for presentations.

Agreed to discuss with line manager opportunities for engagement with other stakeholders and understand any potential undercurrents.

Outcomes

  • Clinical leads are more aware of the key strengths they have and how best to use them in this changing environment
  • Clinical leads benefited from time to think through their approach and impact raising their self-awareness and how best to enhance their impact going forward
  • Clinical leads recognised the variety of ways there is to influence successfully across the system and build their skills / capability in this
  • The CCG benefited by the clinical leaders having independent support at this challenging time
  • The CCG also has a focus on what else would be helpful to support their clinical leaders as they move forward in their new structure and requirements.

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