In this episode of the Spine & Nerve podcast, Dr. Brian Joves sits down with Dr. Richard Winters, an emergency physician, leadership coach, and author, to discuss leadership, coaching, and the unique challenges physicians face as they transition into leadership roles. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned physician looking to expand your leadership skills, this episode offers practical advice on how to build a successful career in medicine while growing as a leader.

Key Takeaways:

🩺 Leadership at All Levels: Dr. Winters explains that leadership doesn't just come from holding formal titles—it's about how we lead in our everyday roles as physicians, working with our teams, and even interacting with patients and their families.

🔍 Understanding the Difference Between Mentorship and Coaching: Dr. Winters breaks down the critical distinction between mentorship and coaching, emphasizing how mentors provide guidance based on their experiences, while coaches help you unlock your potential by asking the right questions and facilitating growth.

💡 Overplaying Expertise: One common pitfall physicians face, especially early in their careers, is overplaying their expertise. Dr. Winters highlights the importance of knowing when to lead as an expert and when to step back and facilitate collaboration, especially in complex, uncertain environments.

🤝 Leading Teams & Self: As a physician leader, it’s essential to learn how to lead small teams, larger organizations, and, most importantly, yourself. Dr. Winters discusses the value of self-awareness and continuous personal development.

💬 Quotes from the Episode:

• "Expertise is valuable, but knowing when to step back and allow others to contribute can be even more powerful."
• "Physician leadership isn’t just about running committees or managing departments—it’s about how we interact, communicate, and support the people around us every day."
• "Coaching is about helping people find their own answers. It’s not about telling them what to do."

📈 Practical Applications:

• For New Leaders: If you're stepping into a leadership role for the first time, this episode will help you understand the dynamics of leading teams and how to balance your role as an expert with that of a coach.
• For Mentors and Coaches: Learn how to support younger physicians by balancing mentorship and coaching, helping them grow without imposing your own path on them.

Resources:

• Dr. Winters' Book: You're the Leader, Now What?
• Richard Winters Website
• Connect with Dr. Winters on LinkedIn and Twitter

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Spine & Nerve Podcast for more conversations with leading experts on pain management, leadership, and healthcare!

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