If you're wondering whether leadership coaching is right for you, you're not alone. Many doctors grapple with this question, especially as they navigate complex and demanding roles. So, who truly benefits from leadership coaching, and which doctors find it most valuable?

Who benefits from leadership coaching?

Leadership coaching is particularly beneficial for senior specialists who are either in or transitioning into leadership roles such as Head of Department, Clinical Lead, or Deputy positions. Often, these doctors are “acting in” or “doing the work without the title,” taking on significant leadership responsibilities without the formal recognition that typically comes with such roles.

The workload for these roles is substantial. It’s not just the leadership and administrative duties but also a heavy clinical load, often spread across multiple appointments, services, and locations. This juggling act doesn’t even take into account the personal commitments of family, relationships, and life outside of work. Despite these overwhelming demands, many of these doctors consistently make time for leadership coaching as part of their professional development.

Why do doctors choose leadership coaching?

Doctors who engage in leadership coaching find it offers a reliable and confidential space to debrief and work through complex challenges. These sessions are both deep and practical, offering the opportunity to develop greater awareness of the personal strengths you bring to your role and identifying any obstacles that may be holding you back.

The coaching process can address specific skills and behaviors, such as speaking up, taking on greater authority, participating more effectively in executive meetings, and pushing for change and improvement within your organization. With sessions typically scheduled 2-4 weeks apart, you have the chance to implement new strategies and then refine them further in subsequent sessions.

What makes leadership coaching effective?

Leadership coaching is most effective when clients bring real, deep challenges to the table. The safety and confidentiality of the coaching space allow you to explore difficult topics that may be impossible to discuss with colleagues. Many doctors even express relief at being able to talk about work challenges with someone other than their partner or spouse, freeing their personal relationships from the burden of work-related stress.

Is leadership coaching right for you?

If you’re considering whether leadership coaching could support your professional growth, AMA Victoria offers three tailored coaching programs, each designed to fit into a busy schedule:

• 6 x 1-hour sessions over six months
• 10 x 1-hour sessions over twelve months
• 1-hour leadership consult

These programs are flexible, with online sessions that can be scheduled to accommodate your commitments. You can also take advantage of a member benefit—a free 15-minute check-in with our leadership coach, Anna Clark, to explore how coaching might work for you.

Find out more

If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, explore our offerings and see how leadership coaching can help you navigate the complexities of your role while enhancing your professional development. For more information or to book a session, follow the links provided.

Anna Clark, AMA Victoria’s leadership coach, is here to support you in your leadership journey. See Anna’s bio here.