In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Daniel Williams, Senior Editor at MGMA, welcomes Lonn McDowell, Vice Chair and Director of Administration for the University of Florida’s Department of Surgery. McDowell offers insights into his leadership philosophy centered on "Leading from the Middle." During this discussion, he highlights the importance of leadership at every level, the role of professionalism and ethics, and the balancing act between operational efficiency and patient care.
Leading from the Middle: A Crucial Strategy for Healthcare
For McDowell, “Leading from the Middle” is more than just a theory; it’s a practical approach to navigating the complexities of healthcare organizations. "Everyone has a boss or bosses, and we need to be able to make a positive impact no matter where we fall on the official organizational chart," he explains. In healthcare, where hierarchies are complex and teamwork is essential, leadership happens at every level. According to McDowell, impactful leadership doesn’t rely solely on titles or authority; it’s about influencing outcomes, solving problems and creating an environment of collaboration.
“It takes all of us working together to get things done and make things better,” McDowell emphasizes. Leading from the middle fosters a culture of collective problem-solving, with every team member contributing to the organization’s success. This perspective is particularly relevant in healthcare, where no single leader can solve all the challenges.
Professionalism and Ethics: The Foundation of Effective Leadership
Professionalism and ethics are central to McDowell’s leadership approach. He believes that leaders must lead by example, especially in healthcare, where integrity is paramount. “One of my worst fears is to ever appear like a hypocrite,” McDowell shares. For him, being a leader means setting a high ethical standard and ensuring that his actions align with the values he expects from his team.
In addition to personal integrity, McDowell believes in cultivating mutual respect within teams, noting that “disagreements are important—they help us grow.” In healthcare leadership, fostering an environment where professionals can respectfully disagree leads to stronger, more resilient teams. This approach to leadership ensures that the entire team operates with professionalism, even when faced with challenging decisions.
Balancing Operational Efficiency with High-Quality Patient Care
One of the most significant challenges facing healthcare leaders today is balancing operational efficiency and patient care. Acknowledging this balancing act, McDowell advises leaders to apply the 80/20 rule, which states that 80% of outcomes result from 20% of causes. "We should focus our limited resources where we can make the most difference," he says. By concentrating efforts on the areas that deliver the greatest impact, leaders can prioritize both efficiency and quality care.
McDowell’s pragmatic approach helps leaders navigate the increasing pressure on healthcare organizations to do more with less. His advice encourages medical practice leaders to think strategically about how they allocate resources, ensuring that both patient care and operational goals are met.
Ethical Decision-Making in Leadership
McDowell’s commitment to ethical leadership is evident in his decision-making process. He recalls a specific instance when a nurse who had resigned due to health concerns asked to rescind her resignation because she could not afford a gap in insurance coverage. While the organization had no legal obligation to let her stay, McDowell advocated for allowing her to rescind the resignation. “It was absolutely the correct thing to do,” he reflects.
This example underscores McDowell’s belief in leading with values, even when decisions may not be easy. In an industry as sensitive as healthcare, ethical leadership ensures that both patient outcomes and staff well-being are safeguarded.
Preparing for Future Challenges: Patience and Adaptability
McDowell predicts that healthcare leadership will become even more challenging, so he encourages leaders to cultivate patience and resilience.
“Healthcare leadership is going to become more stressful than it already is,” he admits. “We need to prepare ourselves to have more patience with ourselves and others in times of crisis or challenge.”
This focus on patience and adaptability is essential as healthcare continues to evolve. Leaders who can navigate crises while maintaining composure and focusing on long-term goals will be better equipped to lead their teams through future challenges.
Don’t miss McDowell when he speaks at the upcoming MGMA Leaders Conference, hosting a session titled Professionalism and Ethics: Leading from the Middle.
Resources:
Book recommendations mentioned by McDowell:
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For more leadership insights and solutions for medical practice leaders, stay tuned to the MGMA Insights Podcast and explore more resources at mgma.com.
