Implementing TQM in healthcare: The critical leadership traits

摘要

Purpose: To present the essential leadership traits for the effective implementation of TQM in a healthcare environment based on a survey results. Summary: The effective leader is one who is able to motivate and apply the available resources in the organization to the attainment of set goals. However consistency in approach can be attained only when management conveys to people a sense of purpose, and honesty. The effective TQM leader is that individual who leads a cross-functional team during the TQM life cycle and accomplishes the overall objective of implementation. Leadership is about conducting the dynamics of people by being with them, rather than one working on people. As for TQM, the CEO is totally responsible for the programs' success; he must be strong to make people accountable but also good enough to help people to learn from their mistakes. A TQM leader has to be a good planner, organizer, commander and controller in order to lead employees towards achievements that is a quality-focused. This article supports the above view by analyzing the traits of the TQM leadership further so that organizations can take care of them and avoid pitfalls during TQM implementation. (33 ref s.)