ABSTRACT
The clinical leader of works in turmoil of change, in a resource-limited environment, helps to plot and direct the future of the workplace team or healthcare organisation. He or she has to cope with the pressures on the service from advancing technology and capability, increasing public expectations and tensions between the corporate view of the organisation and the professions' perspectives. The range of competencies expected of clinical leaders may include the following: financial competency – being able to understand financial issues and ensure that business planning reflects the need to develop clinical issues: being able to manage resources. Personnel/human resources – being responsible for managing other professionals means looking after their interests and encouraging their development. Personal attributes – such as good time management, good communication skills are seen as trustworthy by staff, able to negotiate, a team builder. Caring for the patient – have a 'customer focus' and patient-centred approach to the vision of management.
