Caring, Communication, and Consistency: Building Meaningful Leadership with Dr. Leon Moores
In this episode of Coaching Through Stories, Dr. Eric Bean sits down with Dr. Leon Moores, pediatric neurosurgeon, former U.S. Army infantry officer, and author of All Physicians Lead: Redefining Physician Leadership for Better Patient Outcomes.
Dr. Moores combines lessons from combat and the operating room to show why healthcare leadership is more than just the titles. His approach is rooted in what he calls the “three Cs” principles that shape trust, improve teamwork, and ultimately drive better outcomes for patients.
In their conversation, Dr. Moores shares the high school moment that set him on a new path, the challenges of leading in medicine, and why compassion and objectivity are not opposites but partners. He also reflects on how every physician is a leader, whether they recognize it or not, and why culture and trust are just as critical in the OR as they are on the battlefield.
Key Takeaways:
- Why every physician is a leader, regardless of title or role
- How compassion and empathy strengthen objectivity instead of weakening it
- Differences and similarities of being a leader and a surgeon
- Importance of adapting leadership styles across the clinic, OR, and boardroom
- The “three Cs” of leadership: caring, communication, and consistency
- Building psychological safety and trust in high-stakes environments
Highlights:
- [01:15] From infantry officer to pediatric neurosurgeon
- [03:00] Why leadership isn’t limited to those with formal titles
- [05:14] A random high school moment that changed everything
- [07:49] Physicians as leaders in every patient interaction
- [09:56] The role of his family in the “Team First” mentality
- [11:58] The emotional side of pediatric neurosurgery
- [15:23] Greater comfort with emotional distance
- [16:50] Having empathy and compassion without losing objectivity and skill set
- [20:03] The differences and similarities between being a leader and a surgeon
- [25:02] Why healthcare requires collaboration and adaptability
- [30:43] The “three Cs” of leadership: caring, communication, and consistency
- [33:17] “All Physicians Lead”: redefining leadership in medicine
- [36:16] How culture and teamwork shape outcomes
- [41:13] Improving leadership skills = Improving patient’s experience and outcomes
- [46:05] Things that build or break down a culture
- [49:10] Influence and empathy drive the behavior of trust and confidence
- [50:48] Active dismissiveness vs Passive dismissiveness
- [54:56] A powerful story of persistence and teamwork in the OR
Learn more about Dr. Leon Moores:
Website: https://www.inova.org/doctors/leon-e-moores-md
Book: All Physicians Lead: Redefining Physician Leadership for Better Patient Outcomes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-moores-383b651b/
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