Tackling accidental managers in the NHS

It’s a common problem in UK organisations – and with the stark fact that most employees leave roles due to poor management, it’s a problem that urgently needs addressing. There’s a few reasons for this:

• The promotion of staff members based on their clinical or technical expertise – Health and care professionals may be promoted to managerial positions based on their clinical or technical expertise, assuming it translates into effective leadership. However, this overlooks the unique skill set required for managerial roles, including communication and decision-making.
• Staff shortages intensify the issue of accidental managers in the NHS. In a high-pressure environment, there is often a pressing need to fill managerial vacancies quickly. As a result, people are promoted to managerial positions out of necessity rather than readiness, leading to gaps in leadership competence and effectiveness.

• Organisational restructuring and evolving job roles further contribute to the prevalence of accidental managers in the NHS. Individuals may find themselves assuming managerial roles without adequate preparation or training.