Table 1.
Surgeons’ motivations for seeking leadership training.
| Theme | Explanation | Representative Quotes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Recognize key gaps in preparation for leadership roles. | Many participants were acutely aware that traditional medical school and residency training did not prepare them well for leadership roles. | “[I] desired to go to an outside leadership development program… [but it was] expensive, and I did not get any money.” “I have looked outside the university for leadership opportunities.” “[Leadership] is a learned skill.” “[I have] no training in business and leadership.” “I have no leadership or management training… [We have lots of training in] science, but nothing on the people.” “I firmly believe we don’t prepare leaders, we see the gaps in competencies… we want to improve.” “We need to learn the global rules, roles outside of surgery.” “I sort of fall into leadership positions… whether or not I’m effective, I don’t know.” |
| 2. Appetite for self-improvement | Participants find themselves in leadership roles and are seeking opportunities to grow their skills. | “[I can] take great to even greater.” “It’s like golf… I want to take my game to a new level.” “You can always be a better leader, self-reflection is always good.” “[I want to] expand my toolset, I see the leadership arena as a good opportunity.” |
| 3. Seeking guidance while at a crossroads in their career | Participants find themselves at a point in their career where they must take on leadership responsibilities to continue to grow. | “[This is] a key time in my life, my career… where do I go next?” “To get to the next level, I need more skills.” “[The program] times well for where I’m at. [It’s] time for me to have a clear avenue about what I want to do, create my own road.” “[The] timing is good for my roles as a… fetal program leader… higher leadership things need to be engaged.” “Curiosity [attracted me to the program]. I wanted to move up the ladder.” “I have been here since 2008, I am [one of] the youngest [faculty members]… I want to re-assess my goals… advance programs I work on.” “I want my people to have this, they are mid-career and I see them transitioning into leadership roles.” |