Professional Identity and Stewardship – Part II: Leadership Interview

I can provide information on some general questions you might ask a person in a leadership role in a healthcare organization.

• What is your role as a healthcare team member?

This question is designed to help understand the individual’s specific responsibilities and tasks within the organization. It can also provide insight into how they see their role within the larger healthcare team and how they contribute to the delivery of care.

• How do you define professionalism and how does professional responsibility influence your work?

Professionalism is a broad term that can encompass a variety of different qualities, including ethical behavior, competence, and dedication to one’s work. Asking this question can help understand how the individual views professionalism and how they strive to embody these qualities in their daily work.

• Do you consider yourself a steward of healthcare? Why or why not?

A steward is someone who is responsible for the care and management of something, such as a natural resource or an organization. Asking this question can help understand the individual’s view of their role in the healthcare system and how they see themselves contributing to the overall well-being of the organization and its patients.

Read: healthcare issue/ stressor

• Is it important to you that leaders exercise professional advocacy and authenticity as well as power and influence when working with colleagues? Why or why not?

Professional advocacy refers to the act of promoting and supporting the interests of a profession or group. Authenticity refers to being genuine and true to oneself. Asking this question can help understand the individual’s views on leadership and how they see the role of power and influence in the workplace. It can also provide insight into the individual’s values and beliefs about the importance of authenticity in leadership.

Professional Identity and Stewardship

Professional identity is an important concept for anyone working in a specific field or industry. It refers to the unique characteristics, values, and beliefs that define an individual’s role and purpose within their profession. Stewardship, on the other hand, refers to the responsible management and protection of something, such as resources, assets, or the environment. In the context of professional identity, stewardship can be understood as the ethical and mindful use of one’s skills, knowledge, and expertise to benefit society and the common good.

Professional Identity

Developing a professional identity is a process that occurs throughout an individual’s career. It is influenced by factors such as education, experience, personal values, and the expectations and norms of the profession. A strong professional identity can provide a sense of purpose and direction, and it can also serve as a source of pride and fulfillment.

There are several components that make up a professional identity. These include:

• Knowledge and skills: A professional’s knowledge and skills are the foundation of their identity. They are the result of education and training, and they are what enable a professional to perform their job duties effectively.
• Values and beliefs: A professional’s values and beliefs shape their perspective and guide their actions. These may include things like a commitment to excellence, integrity, and social responsibility.
• Professional roles: A professional may hold multiple roles within their profession, such as teacher, researcher, or leader. These roles define the responsibilities and expectations associated with the profession.
• Professional relationships: A professional’s relationships with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders also contribute to their professional identity. These relationships can be both personal and professional, and they may involve collaboration, mentorship, or networking.
• Professional image: A professional’s image, or the way they present themselves to the world, is another important aspect of their identity. This can include things like appearance, communication style, and online presence.

Stewardship

Stewardship is an important component of professional identity, as it involves using one’s skills and expertise to benefit society and the common good. This can take many forms, such as:

• Ethical behavior: Ethical behavior is essential for professionals, as it involves acting with integrity, honesty, and fairness in all aspects of their work. This includes respecting the rights and dignity of others, being transparent and accountable, and upholding professional standards.
• Social responsibility: Many professions have a social responsibility to serve the needs of the community, whether through direct service or by contributing to public policy and decision-making. This may involve advocating for social justice, promoting public health and safety, or working to protect the environment.
• Leadership: Leadership is an important aspect of stewardship, as it involves guiding and inspiring others to achieve a common goal. This can involve leading a team or organization, mentoring colleagues, or taking a leadership role in the profession.
• Lifelong learning: Stewardship also involves a commitment to ongoing learning and development. This includes staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in the field, as well as seeking out opportunities to grow and improve as a professional.

The Importance of Professional Identity and Stewardship

Professional identity and stewardship are important for several reasons. Some of the benefits of having a strong professional identity and a commitment to stewardship include:

• Personal and professional fulfillment: A strong professional identity can provide a sense of purpose and direction, which can lead to greater personal and professional fulfillment. It can also provide a sense of pride in one’s work and a sense of belonging to a larger community.