We spent some time with Philippa Madden to talk about how a passion for caring for people and wanting to give back led her into the role of an Operating Department Practitioner. Now, 14 years on, as Manager of Cardiac Theatres at the QE, Philippa shares the importance of a positive attitude, self-reflection, and developing your service and team forward.
3 Quotes to lead by...
1. PLANT A SEED AND NURTURE IT
‘If you want to plant a seed, you’ve got to nurture everybody to come along with that vision…. because then it’s become their idea, it’s become their investment.’
Q. How do you share new ideas with your team? How do you involve your staff in creating a team vision?
2. OWN YOUR DECISIONS
‘I’ve always tried to push myself in decision-making to move things forward, but I don’t always get it right, and certainly, as a manager now, it’s important to acknowledge when I get it wrong.’
Q. As a leader, are you acknowledging when you’ve made a mistake? Are you welcoming constructive feedback from your team?
3. EVER LEARN, EVER REFLECT, EVER CHANGE
‘I sometimes get on the defensive very quickly, and then I think about it and listen to what everyone’s saying, and I’m like, actually, no, I am probably being a bit blinkered here; there’s one of me and twelve of you… I’m determined to ever learn, to ever reflect, ever change.’
Q. Are you aware of your defences? How can you ensure that you continue to develop as a leader?
External Resources
Leadership Lessons from the Journey of a Seed: Persistence, Adaptability, and Resilience
Taking ownership of your actions and your decision-making
Five ways leaders can practise self reflection and why it’s important for business growth
