What it takes to be a Surgeon Leader...

In my previous two blogs, I emphasized the need for the United States to have strong "surgeon" leaders both in the executive and legislative branches of the government. Let me summarize what is required to be a surgeon leaders.

• The first and one of the most important characteristics is the willingness to objectively assess the entire situation and set priorities. This means that nothing is sacred and everything are evaluated in the same way.
• Second is the recognition that time is of essence. There must be a strong sense of urgency. It can't be "as soon as possible", rather the top priorities must be implemented first. If there is a need to exit or stop doing something, even if it requires changing the "sacred cows" of the past.
• Third, since no one is right all of the time, the surgeon leader must be adaptive and not fixated. If things change or if the actions being taken are not working then the surgeon leader must also adapt. This doesn't mean they are willing to change for the sake of change, but that it is necessary.
• Finally, the leader must be willing to share and communicate.

Suregon leaders are very skilled and there are not many leaders that can fit this role. Surgeon leaders must be willing to take the heat. Popularity is not that critical to them.

Many companies have been successful because they were able to have surgeon leaders, but it is even more difficult for those in public sector. Business leaders have more control and when they make a decision to take action, they normally have the power to do so. Unfortunately, in our society, the President is not in a position to just take actions on their own. They must be able to negotiate and create alliances before they can execute. However, when it is clear that the country is in a crisis situation, the President and senior members of congress have more power to act.

In the next blog, I will discuss what I think specifically needs to happen for the United States to address the current crisis situation.

Bill Rothschild

Author of "The Secret to GE's Success" and "Risktaker, Caretaker, Surgeon, Undertaker- the four faces of strategic leadership". Available on Amazon and http://www.strategyleader.com/