"Wonder is the wellspring of love."

We recently read this powerful statement from Valarie Kaur's memoir, "See No Stranger," which challenges us to rethink leadership in the healthcare sector.

What if we approached leadership with wonder?

Kaur suggests that wonder is not just a feeling, but a discipline. It's "a practice of choosing to look at another person and say, 'You are a part of me I do not yet know.'" This perspective has profound implications for healthcare leadership.

Wonder Sparks Transformation

The first steps to empathy are staying out of judgment and practicing perspective-taking—trying to see things from another's point of view instead of remaining locked in our own. This book highlights these foundational steps by encouraging a sense of wonder and curiosity rather than clinging to one perspective.

When we hold too tightly to our own views, we enter a defensive stance, triggering fight, flight, or freeze responses instead of fostering connection with others.

Wonder Opens the Door to Empathy

In healthcare, empathy is crucial. When leaders approach their teams and patients with wonder, they are more likely to understand their experiences and needs.

Wonder Dissolves Assumptions

Assumptions can lead to biases and misunderstandings. Wonder encourages us to question our assumptions and see others with fresh eyes. This is essential in healthcare, where diverse populations require individualized care.

Wonder Makes Space for Transformation

When we approach challenges with wonder, we open ourselves to new possibilities and solutions. This can lead to innovation and positive change within healthcare organizations.

Wonder and Healthcare Leadership

In polarized times, wonder helps us lead with curiosity, not control. Healthcare leaders who practice wonder can:

Build Stronger Teams

By wondering about their team members' stories and perspectives, leaders can foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Improve Patient Care

Approaching patients with wonder allows healthcare providers to see them as whole people, not just diagnoses. This can lead to more personalized and compassionate care.

Drive Positive Change

Wonder can inspire leaders to challenge the status quo and advocate for better healthcare systems.

Kaur encourages us to ask ourselves, "Who do I find hard to love? Can I wonder about their story?" This question is particularly relevant for healthcare leaders who must navigate complex relationships and challenging situations.

Shifting Perspective: Leader-Coaches

Embracing empathy and perspective-taking transforms us into "leader-coaches" who collaborate rather than needing all the answers. This approach creates space to hold both our own perspective and others' viewpoints. There is room for our varying views! The more space we can hold and the more curious we become, the more we invite discovery for ourselves, others, and our relationships.

Let's embrace wonder as a leadership skill and create a healthcare system that is more empathetic, inclusive, and transformative.

At SMM Coaching and Consulting, we offer healthcare leadership coaching for professionals and organizations. If you or your organization needs support in empowering leaders, and elevating leadership skills in resiliency, emotional intelligence, and strategic alignment, schedule your FREE consultation.

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Wonder as a Leadership Skill: Key Takeaways from "See No Stranger" and Healthcare Leadership