Leadership in uncharted territory: developing the role of professional practice leader Available to Purchase

Shows how a new role, professional practice leader (PPL), developed as a health care organization shifted from department‐based hierarchical management to team‐based management. The work of PPLs in this organization is to provide leadership within a shared decision making, outcome‐focused environment. PPLs play an integral role in developing and supporting clinical decision‐making structures. They provide corporate leadership in setting guidelines for professional practice and in promoting quality practice in budget and strategic planning. In an evolving organization, they maintain focus on clarifying and understanding professional and organizational accountability. PPLs support and facilitate professional development and clinical education. They provide external links with other health care organizations, educational institutions and community partners. This role is relationship‐oriented and involves both doing and teaching the skills of facilitating, mentoring and coaching. Developing a new role involves establishing new values and forging collaborative mutually rewarding relationships.