At this time of year, many senior leaders we speak with are focused on high-level planning.
This might include:
- Creating or revising an Annual Strategic Plan
- Organising a planning day or retreat for their department, unit or team
- Making personal leadership notes to take up their role more fully and more proactively (for example, gain clarity on responsibilities in the role and participation in meetings and committees to gain information and visibility for themselves and their teams/units).
Why is this helpful?
High-level planning helps leaders step back from daily operations to focus on the bigger picture. For many doctors, overwhelming workloads and constant frontline pressures leave little space for strategic thinking. Prioritising leadership work ensures that long-term goals are set in motion rather than being lost to immediate demands.
What is high-level leadership work?
This work involves long timelines and complex implementation—such as building a sustainable workforce, improving workplace culture and enhancing communication and feedback. Key areas might include:
- Recruitment and workforce sustainability – Ensuring the right mix of roles and a talent pipeline
- Staff training and professional development – Supporting career growth and leadership pathways
- Workforce design – Structuring teams effectively to meet strategic needs
- Strategy and goal setting – Defining key priorities and action plans for the year
- Quality improvement – Strengthening processes and patient care standards
- Managing people and performance – Scheduling Performance Development Reviews (PDRs), addressing challenges and fostering accountability
- Building culture and engagement – Establishing regular team meetings, attending key events and ensuring open communication
How can you start this work?
- Capture your thoughts – Take uninterrupted time to list everything on your mind regarding leadership and strategy.
- Refine and prioritise – What needs to happen first? Why? What steps are required?
- Set realistic timelines – Align your goals with available time and workload. Plan for what can be achieved within a week, a month or a quarter.
- Identify support and delegation – Consider how to share the work:
- Use team meetings to communicate plans and priorities
- Delegate specific tasks to team members
- Share plans via emails, newsletters, or information boards
A strong leadership plan isn’t just about personal clarity — it also fosters an open and inclusive workplace, encouraging team engagement and offering professional development opportunities for others.
Risks to watch out for
Common obstacles that can derail leadership plans include:
- Too many competing priorities – Keep the list realistic.
- Not sharing the plan – A plan that stays in a document or drawer is ineffective.
- Lack of delegation – Trying to do everything alone leads to burnout.
- Over-investing in planning – The goal is action, not perfection.
Keeping yourself accountable
- Check your list – Limit to 3-5 key priorities per week, month and year.
- Talk about your plan – Share it in meetings, with colleagues or in department updates.
- Delegate effectively – Engaging others supports motivation, development and teamwork.
- Spending too much time on the plan itself!
- Get started – Many leadership initiatives take years to come to full fruition. The key is to start now and refine along the way.
Need support?
We’re here to help. Use AMA Victoria’s Career and Professional Development Services to check in on your leadership and career strategy.
By Dr Anna Clark (PhD)
The goal of these short 'Leadership Insights' is to share key concepts and ideas on effective leadership, along with practical tips for applying them in your own context. Look for a new insight every two weeks in the Check-up.
Dr Anna Clark is AMAVs Leadership consultant, coach and educator, currently offering individual coaching for doctors and directing the AMA’s professional development programs in leadership, the Emerging Leader Program and Middle Leader Program.
If you are navigating a leadership challenge and would like to speak with one of our leadership coaches, schedule a Leader Check-In, an exclusive benefit of membership for AMA Victoria members.
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