A values-based approach to medical leadership

Within the UK health and care services, several high profile inquiries have recommended a new style of leadership aligned with the National Health Service values. The style of leadership required is a values-based, authentic approach. This paper reviews Dr Stephen R. Covey’s (1989) principle-centred leadership model and aims to explore whether the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People® can be applied to medical practice. Furthermore the relationship between Covey’s 7 Habits®, the leadership and management standards for medical professionals and key driving leadership policies are examined, with an emphasis on how to restore the character ethic through a values-based approach to medical leadership. We explore how an applied version of Covey’s model has been embedded within a medical education context. We conclude the applied model offers a structured, reflective and practical approach to demonstrating leadership authenticity and trust thereby facilitating a values-based/principle-centred leadership approach.