In our Faculty Highlight Series, we shine a spotlight on the impactful work of our coaches and consultants through client case studies. Today, we feature Amer Kaissi, PhD, whose concept of 'Humbitious Leadership' is revolutionizing healthcare leadership. His work exemplifies the transformative power of TLD Group’s faculty in fostering emotional intelligence and effective leadership.
Transforming Leadership in Healthcare
Amer Kaissi’s expertise in healthcare leadership is exemplified through his recent work with a new leader in a large unit of an academic medical center. The unit had a reputation as one of the most dysfunctional within the organization, plagued by operational and technological issues. The client, hired for her exceptional analytical skills and strong background in technology, faced the challenge of turning this struggling unit around.
Navigating Humbitious Leadership Challenges
While the client excelled in her technical expertise and had a stellar reputation as a researcher and scientist, she struggled with interpersonal relationships. Her communication style was perceived as abrasive, which hindered her ability to connect with her new colleagues and leaders across the organization. The challenge was clear: to help this leader develop the emotional intelligence needed to lead effectively and positively influence her team.
A Strategic Coaching Approach
Amer’s approach was methodical and tailored to the client's unique situation. He began by collecting 360-degree feedback from the leader’s superiors, colleagues, and direct reports, aggregating the responses into key themes. This feedback was shared with the leader, who was open to change and eager to improve.
Together, they devised customized strategies for behavioral change, focusing on adjusting the client’s communication style to be more strategic and supportive while still addressing the seriousness of the problems. The coaching emphasized taking ownership of solutions, framing them as opportunities rather than merely highlighting issues. Over the course of 12 months, Amer and the client worked closely, continuously adjusting strategies to align with specific situations and interactions.
Measurable Improvements
The effectiveness of Amer’s coaching was validated through another round of 360-degree feedback at the end of the engagement. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with a consensus that the leader had significantly improved their emotional intelligence, particularly in how they communicated with others. Despite these changes, the client remained steadfast in her commitment to solving the unit’s problems and driving its turnaround.
Impactful Outcomes
The transformation was evident not only within the unit but across the entire organization. A senior executive described the client as "the best leader we have in the organization right now," highlighting the far-reaching impact of their leadership transformation. The client not only led their unit through a successful turnaround but also initiated significant improvement efforts across the organization, demonstrating the power of combining ambition with humility and empathy.
Professional Growth Through Real-World Challenges
For Amer, working with clients at TLD Group provides invaluable insights into the real-life challenges that healthcare leaders face daily. These experiences enrich his teaching, research, writing, and professional speaking, keeping him closely connected to the practical issues in healthcare leadership.
Looking Ahead
Amer is excited about the opportunities ahead, particularly the chance to work with leaders who excel in empathy but need to develop assertiveness and confidence. His ongoing work at TLD Group continues to push the boundaries of what effective leadership in healthcare looks like, focusing on the delicate balance between humility and ambition.
Amer Kaissi’s work exemplifies the high-caliber coaching and leadership development provided by TLD Group’s faculty. His ability to guide leaders through complex interpersonal and operational challenges underscores the value and expertise he brings to his clients. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from our Faculty Highlight Series, where we continue to celebrate the remarkable contributions of our team.