How Gender Dynamics Work in Healthcare Leadership

Conversations about leadership often focus on skills and strategy. But what about gender dynamics?

I sat down with Ziba Alizadeh, Vice President of Healthcare Solutions at RemX, to explore the critical role that gender dynamics play in leadership - especially within the healthcare industry.

You can watch the full conversation here:

Here are the key highlights from the episode:

• The healthcare sector is facing a significant labor shortage, with a consistent addition of 40,000 to 60,000 jobs each month, but there aren't enough qualified candidates to fill these roles. This shortage impacts various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, home health, and residential care facilities.
• Many healthcare workers are experiencing burnout due to long hours and the emotional strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has caused some to leave the field or seek positions with better pay or more flexible schedules, such as in clinics and doctors' offices.
• Healthcare employees are increasingly prioritizing a respectful and positive work culture over higher pay.
• Some organizations are exploring strategies like hiring international talent and creating training programs for recent graduates, with contracts to ensure their commitment to the company.
• It is crucial for leaders to balance traditionally "masculine" traits, like assertiveness, with more "feminine" traits, like empathy and sensitivity. The staffing industry can be demanding, which may cause women to be perceived as too "alpha" or "masculine".
• There is a need to move beyond traditional gender stereotypes and create an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
• Authenticity is essential, and people should be able to express themselves without worrying about the perceptions of others.
• Words have power and should be used to uplift both individuals and humanity.
• It's important to take action and not let fear hinder the achievement of goals, and to exercise that "muscle" to make it easier over time.
• Both men and women need to be aware of and address gender biases and actively support each other. Women seek equal opportunities and support, not pity or special treatment.
• It is essential to understand other people's backgrounds and experiences, to be conscientious of them, and to create a psychologically safe workplace. Success requires hard work and a willingness to put in effort.

To hear more about Ziba’s perspective on leadership, gender dynamics, and creating equitable opportunities, make sure to listen to the full recording above.

What small action do you think leaders can take today to make workplaces more inclusive? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.