Developing Versatility as a Leadership Skill Among Eye Care Professionals

A recent Harvard Business Review article discusses the importance of versatile leadership in the face of unprecedented change and disruption caused by the pandemic. It explains that research conducted since the outbreak of Covid-19 indicates that versatility is an even stronger component of effective leadership now than before. The article defines versatility as the ability to read and respond to change with a wide repertoire of complementary skills and behaviors. It emphasizes that versatile leaders are rare and that versatility is largely a learned capability. The article concludes that versatile leadership is critical in leading in a VUCA world (one characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) and can determine which organizations thrive versus merely hanging on or falling behind.

As an optometry entrepreneur, being versatile in your leadership approach can help you navigate the uncertainties and challenges of the business environment. Here are some ways you can apply the concept of versatility to your leadership style:

1. Balancing leadership styles: Optometry practice leaders need to balance different leadership styles to meet the needs of their team and organization. For example, in situations where quick decisions need to be made, a leader may need to take charge and make tough decisions, while in other situations, leaders may need to enable, support, and include people to build consensus and gain buy-in.
2. Focusing on strategy and operations: Optometry practice leaders need to be able to focus on both the strategic direction of the practice and the day-to-day operations. This means being able to zoom out and envision a change in big-picture terms and zoom in on the tactical details of implementing that change.
3. Reading and responding to change: Optometry practice leaders need to be able to read and respond to a change in a way that is effective for their team and organization. This means being able to adjust their behavior according to the situation, from asking questions and listening with an open mind to pushing an unpopular view one more time. A versatile leader must be able to adapt to change quickly. This means being flexible in your approach and willing to pivot your business strategy when necessary. As an optometry entrepreneur, you need to be able to adapt to changes in the healthcare industry, consumer preferences, and technological advancements.
4. Developing versatility: Versatility is largely a learned capability, which means that optometry practice leaders can develop this skill over time. This may involve getting feedback from coworkers or using tools like the Leadership Versatility Index to identify areas for improvement and develop complementary skills and behaviors.
5. Develop a diverse skill set: To be a versatile leader, you need to develop a diverse skill set that allows you to handle a variety of tasks and challenges. This includes not only technical skills related to optometry but also managerial and leadership skills such as communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.
6. Embrace diversity: A versatile leader recognizes the value of diversity in all its forms. This includes the diversity of thought, background, and experience. As an optometry entrepreneur, you need to build a diverse team that can bring different perspectives to the table and helps you make better decisions.
7. Foster a culture of innovation: A versatile leader encourages innovation and experimentation. This means creating an environment where employees feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. As an optometry entrepreneur, you need to foster a culture of innovation that encourages your team to develop new products and services that meet the evolving needs of your customers.

The concept of versatility in leadership can certainly be applied to optometry practices, as it is relevant to any industry or organization that faces volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Optometry practices, like many businesses, have had to adapt to changes in customer behavior, technology, and regulatory requirements, which require leaders who can respond to change with a wide range of complementary skills and behaviors. Being a versatile leader in optometry entrepreneurship means being adaptable, diverse, innovative, and open to change. By applying these principles to your leadership approach, you can build a successful and sustainable business in today’s volatile world.

The concept of versatility in leadership can be applied to optometry practices by balancing different leadership styles, focusing on both strategy and operations, reading and responding to change, and developing versatility over time. By doing so, optometry practice leaders can better navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the industry and position their practice for long-term success.