Teamwork And Leadership In Healthcare

“Properly managed, teamwork maximizes strengths, bringing out the best in each team member” (The Happy Manager). Teamwork and leadership are essential components of any effective group. This is especially true in the field of healthcare. A care team's ability to work together can be the deciding factor on whether or not a patient lives or dies. Good teamwork and leadership make up an effective and efficient care team.
First, teamwork in the healthcare field allows a group of care takers to effectively work together to provide the most efficient care to their patient. Without teamwork, there would be miscommunication, errors, and hostility towards others in the group. The story “Goose Sense” by Harvey O. Bennett states, “When a goose falls out

of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. it quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds immediately in front of it.” What this says about teamwork is that with the help and cooperation of others, goals can be met in a more timely and smooth manner. Like teamwork, leadership is also an imperative skill to have in the healthcare profession.
Next, leadership ability is vital for every member of a care team to posses. Leadership is so important because each day in health care facility is different and highly unpredictable. Every member needs to dependable in order to provide the best care possible. Bennet gives an excellent example of this, “When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into formation, and another goose flies to the point position.” This example with the geese demonstrates that leadership doesn't happen with just one person, it’s a collective effort. Every member is capable of being depended upon when it's time to do their part. Leaders look out for their team and make their goals a top priority. This should be the goal for every caretaker, therefore, each needs to have substantial leadership capabilities.
In conclusion, teamwork and leadership are the keys to providing successful medical care to patients. More can be accomplished when everyone works together. To have good teamwork, every member of team has to be able to work together and communicate in a professional and timely manner. Effective leadership begins when all team members are dependable and look after eachother. Teamwork and leadership work hand in hand within the medical staff to produce the most efficient and effective care possible for the patient.