Bridging healthcare leadership gaps with transitional leadership

Authored by:
Bill Briggs, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, NEA-BC, FAEN
Vice President and Managing Partner

Losing a key leader in a healthcare organization can lead to significant disruptions, both operationally and emotionally. Having an interim leader who maintains the status quo but also strives to improve processes, stabilize staffing, improve teamwork and morale, and optimize financial performance can be invaluable during such transitions. A transitional leader not only performs the duties of the interim leader, but also paves the way for a new leader.

The organization may want time for the dust to settle, perhaps considering reorganizing the leadership of an area. At this point there may be a decision to hire or appoint an interim leader. An internal interim leader may not be prepared for the challenges ahead and act only as a placeholder, thus doing the minimal job that is required to continue business. Ultimately, this may halt improvements in the area and can be damaging in the long run.

The ideal interim leader must be able to:

• Make a quick assessment of the department’s current status.

• Stabilize both the operational concerns and the emotional needs of the department.

• Maintain and optimize key processes.

• Integrate with the hospital leadership.

• Maintain close communication with leadership including regular and concise reports.

In addition, the ideal transitional leader must be able to: 

• Recommend an organizational structure for best performance.

• Identify the qualifications and characteristics of the new leader to be successful in your organization.

• Assist in recruiting and screening candidates.

• Develop and execute a transition plan.

Securing a qualified transitional leader is crucial during times of organizational change. These leaders bring invaluable expertise and experience to healthcare organizations, ensuring smooth transitions and enhanced performance. With a focus on providing high-quality transitional leadership, organizations can navigate periods of transition effectively, emerging stronger and better prepared for the future.