The Performance Doctor: Be The Leader You Are

It’s been quite some time since I have had the pleasure of sitting in an in-person course as a student.

It’s also been quite some time since I take a 12+ hour car drive in a weekend.

The course itself was phenomenal. Tons of hands on application and the lecture just flew by.

As you are aware, the first five minutes of every course is the introduction of the instructor.

In every course that I have ever attended, and most likely where I got it from, following the instructor every participant in the course takes turns introducing themselves.

After our instructor gave her brief introduction, she opened the floor for any of us to introduce ourselves.

Out of a room of 25 people, only two participants spoke up. If you are assuming I was one of them, you are right. I wasn’t the first one to break the silence, but I was the only other person to speak up.

This was the first time that I had attended an in-person event where docs who’ve been practicing for 10+ years where “shy” about introducing themselves.

I can understand that from students… but seasoned docs?

It made me wonder…

Why would no one want to share? Are they shy? Embarrassed? Uncertain? Afraid? Intimidated? or simply didn’t want to?

I’ve always assumed that everyone who is in the same course is 1) improving their skills or 2) learning a new skill.

So there’s no reason to be shy, embarrassed, afraid or intimidated by anyone else in there.

Fast forward towards the second half of Saturday.

At this time we are working with groups of 6 people.

I was the last one to join in my group.

As I am joining I noticed something. There was no organization. There was no rhythm. There was no leadership within the group itself.

As the last person to join, I didn’t want to come in and take over so I let it play out for the remainder of Saturday.

As we started the hands on portion of the course on Sunday, it was clear my group was heading in the same direction. At this time, I stepped in.

I clearly defined how we were going to practice, what positions would be where, how we’d take turns and in what manner we’d rotate.

It was about 60% smooth on the first go around. But by our second hands-on activity it was smooth sailing. Even our communication within the group and the questions we were asking improved.

If you haven’t taken this course, you wouldn’t know that this course is more about communication, team work and clearly defined expectations from each provider in the team setting, than it is about learning how to tape a joint, splint a broken bone or perform a SCAT6 in a concussed patient.

I knew I’d be leaving with a new skill in sports medicine. What I wasn’t expecting was leaving with a stronger sense of leadership than I had walked in with.

As I drove home I had plenty of time to think. I’ve been trying to extract daily lessons out of my days, and this weekend was full of them.

Here’s my list for this weekend:

1. Leadership Is Voluntary, Not Assigned

I wasn’t asked to lead, but chose to when it was clear that the group lacked direction.

2. Confidence Separates Practitioners From Participants

Out of all the seasoned professionals, being one of two out of 25… reveals how rare it is for people to speak up, even when they’ve earned the right to.

3. Soft Skills Are the Real Skillset

I came expecting technical skills—but the course emphasized communication, teamwork, and expectations. Which prove to be even more applicable overall.

5. Growth Comes From Discomfort

I didn’t want to take the lead in the group, but something needed to be done. It was up to me.

6. Learning Isn’t Passive—It’s Participatory

You make the most of an experience not just by absorbing content, but by engaging with the room and taking initiative.

It’s never been more clear.

We all struggle stepping up into a leadership position.

But here’s a secret.

It comes with your title.

Whether you like it or not, as a doctor you have the responsibility to be a leader in your community.

I had to dig a big to find this quote from a seminar I attended back in undergrad.

Next time the room goes quiet, ask yourself: is it your turn to speak up?

If you’ve ever had to break the silence and lead

Hit reply and tell me your story!

Until next time,

In health and strength,

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