Table 2.

What surgeon participants gained from the Leadership Development Program.

Theme	Explanation	Representative Quotes
1. Self-empowerment	Participants felt enabled and capable of affecting change locally.	“My department actually saw me as a leader.” “I’m more confident about stepping up as a leader.” “Ability to generate projects and ideas for the Department of Surgery.”
2. Increased self-awareness	Participants increased their understanding of how they are viewed by others. Personal blind spots were identified.	“I appear busy, frazzled. I appear unapproachable.” “Didn’t realize other people knew how shy I was; how valued my opinions are.” “Helped me understand how others view me and my interactions.” “Trying to be more transparent.” “Self-revelations were helpful.”
3. Improved team building skills	Participants felt they improved their own ability to develop productive teams. The program also enhanced collegiality among surgeons enrolled in the program.	“[I can work on] giving feedback, both positive and negative.” “Be patient with others who do not catch on as fast.” “Morale-boosting event; bringing people together to bond over a common goal.” “Bonding experience; seeing, knowing colleagues better.”
4. Leadership knowledge	Knowledge was gained in context of leadership definitions, business acumen, and organizational structure and purpose.	“Can now recognize leadership.” “Business/organizational issues.” “Marketing and innovations concepts.” “Part-time psychiatrist” (regarding the value of different perspectives for leadership) “…in service to the mission of the organization.” “Understand the higher purpose first.”