What sets great physician leaders apart? How do they ensure their leadership remains sharp, effective, and impactful?

Physicians often recognize the need to refine their leadership skills when they notice breakdowns in communication, delays in response times, or a lack of team cohesion. If you’re experiencing these challenges, it may be time to evaluate how you’re engaging with your team.

A common leadership misstep

Imagine this scenario:

A physician is in the OR, prepping for a procedure. After scrubbing in, they return to the room, receive a towel to dry their hands, and are helped into their gown. As they stand ready, they look around at the team consisting of doctors, a physician assistant, a scrub tech, and nurses … before saying, “Can someone please tie my gown?”

A nurse steps forward and secures the back of the gown.

At first glance, nothing seems wrong. The task was completed. The procedure moves forward. But there was a missed opportunity … one that, if recognized, could enhance leadership skills and improve team dynamics.

Can you spot the opportunity?

Are you making the same mistake in your practice and workflow?

If so, how is it impacting your team?

The one small shift that makes all the difference is changing one word.

Instead of addressing “someone,” the physician could have used a name.

The power of using names

Great leaders understand the impact of personal connection. Taking the time to learn and use the names of your fellow physicians, nurses, techs, and interdisciplinary team members strengthens relationships and fosters respect.

Your team is essential to delivering optimal patient outcomes. Addressing them by name demonstrates that you see and value them as individuals, rather than just as roles in the room.

When you use a person’s name, you:
✔ Acknowledge their contribution.
✔ Create clarity—ensuring the request is heard and acted upon quickly.
✔ Show respect, reinforcing trust and teamwork.

On the other hand, not using names can send an unintentional message of disregard. It can create confusion, slow response times, and weaken team dynamics.

Your next step: a simple yet powerful shift

Starting today, make it a priority to learn and use the names of your team members. Greet them by name. Thank them by name. Make it a habit.

This small but intentional act will elevate your leadership, improve communication, and build a stronger, more engaged team.

Are you ready to make this shift? Try it in your next interaction and notice the difference.

Stephanie Wellington is a physician, certified professional coach, and founder of Nurturing MDs, dedicated to guiding physicians from stress and overwhelm to ease and flow in the demanding medical field. She empowers clinicians to infuse new energy into their careers and reconnect with their identities beyond the stethoscope. She can also be reached on Facebook and LinkedIn.