The health sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an urgent need for systemic reform, innovation, and enhanced patient outcomes. In this complex and often volatile environment, traditional leadership models are no longer sufficient. This training course is meticulously designed to equip healthcare leaders and policymakers with the strategic skills and adaptive mindset needed to navigate this continuous change. By mastering the principles of adaptive leadership, you will be empowered to mobilize your teams, build resilient organizations, and successfully implement reforms that address the sector's most pressing challenges. This program provides the essential blueprint for a new generation of leaders prepared to champion a more responsive and effective health system.

This comprehensive curriculum offers a practical deep dive into the entire reform lifecycle, from diagnosing systemic challenges to designing and implementing sustainable solutions. You will learn how to effectively distinguish between technical and adaptive problems, engage diverse stakeholders, and communicate with transparency and empathy during periods of uncertainty. The course focuses on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, helping you to build the skills necessary to lead from any position and foster a culture of continuous learning. By the end of this program, you will not only be proficient in adaptive leadership but also be prepared to inspire change, overcome resistance, and drive meaningful, long-term health sector reform.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• Senior executives and directors of health systems
• Public health officials and policymakers
• Hospital and clinic administrators
• Department heads and clinical leaders
• Program managers and change agents
• Board members of healthcare organizations
• HR and organizational development specialists
• Researchers and academics in health policy
• Consultants in the healthcare sector
• Anyone responsible for implementing systemic change

Objectives

• Understand the core principles of adaptive leadership in the health sector.
• Distinguish between technical and adaptive challenges in healthcare reform.
• Develop a strategic approach to diagnosing systemic problems.
• Master a comprehensive framework for engaging and mobilizing stakeholders.
• Navigate resistance to change with empathy and strategic influence.
• Lead with authority and courage during periods of uncertainty.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Communicate a compelling vision for health sector reform.
• Create a personal roadmap for applying adaptive leadership in your role.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of Adaptive Leadership

• The strategic link between adaptive leadership and health sector reform.
• Defining the difference between technical and adaptive challenges.
• The importance of a proactive and human-centered approach to change.
• The role of leadership in creating a safe environment for difficult conversations.
• Case studies of successful and failed health sector reforms.

Module 2: Diagnosing Systemic Challenges

• A step-by-step framework for diagnosing systemic problems.
• Techniques for identifying underlying causes and not just symptoms.
• The importance of a data-driven approach to assessment.
• A framework for assessing readiness for change.
• Strategies for building a guiding coalition for support.

Module 3: Mobilizing Stakeholders and Building Coalitions

• Identifying and mapping key stakeholders in a health system.
• A framework for a clear and transparent communication plan.
• Best practices for communicating with different audiences (e.g., clinicians, patients).
• The role of leadership in communicating the purpose and benefits of reform.
• Strategies for using feedback to continuously improve communication.

Module 4: Managing Conflict and Resistance to Change

• Understanding the common reasons for resistance in healthcare.
• The link between fear, uncertainty, and resistance.
• Strategies for identifying and addressing resistance proactively.
• The importance of empathy and validation in communication.
• Techniques for involving resisters in the change process.

Module 5: Leading with Empathy and Authority

• The challenges of implementing new technology (e.g., EMRs, telehealth).
• A framework for managing the transition to new workflows.
• The importance of training and user support in technology adoption.
• Best practices for a phased approach to implementation.
• The role of HR in managing talent and skills during a transition.

Module 6: Fostering Innovation and Learning

• The strategic link between adaptive leadership and a culture of innovation.
• A framework for encouraging experimentation and calculated risk-taking.
• Strategies for celebrating successes and building momentum.
• The importance of leadership commitment and reinforcement.
• Best practices for a continuous improvement approach.

Module 7: The Future of Health Sector Reform

• Emerging trends in AI, data analytics, and new models of care.
• The skills needed to be a successful adaptive leader.
• The role of leadership in shaping future health policy.
• Building a sustainable and scalable change function.
• A personal action plan for championing reform in your role.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.