Michael West is a Professor of organisational psychology and a senior fellow at the Kings Fund. 

In the podcast Michael discusses how the NHS staff survey is the longest running staff survey worldwide across all sectors. Designed in 2003, it has 20 years of data and feedback from 600K people per year. 

The evidence shows the best predictor of NHS organisational performance is staff engagement - specifically the involvement of staff in decision making (also predicts performance, quality and financial outcomes). Inclusive and supportive staff leadership is one of the most important factors, where leaders listen and are empathetic.

Michael discusses the themes of an appreciative culture; the fundamental importance of team working and the data showing staff workload and burnout being the biggest negative factors and predictor of good  patient outcomes. 
 
The importance of using staff survey data intelligently is shown that if you want to understand what will be happening in an individual organisation in the near further - look at engagement; burnout and team working scores. They will predict what outcomes are going to be achieved.

Summarising the themes from the series one episodes with NHS chief executives, Matthew and Michael, discussed how good organisations have a clear DNA - based around vision; values; totally linked into objectives and priorities for all. Leaders must be present - not just visible -don't have an agenda and make sure you Listen with fascination. This has a ripple effect as others will mirror this approach.

Michale ends the episode with a reflection that leadership is not a cloak you put on —its authenticity; humility to learn; nurturing our capacity to empathise; compassion is thought; lean into the difficult; being compassionate helps others and helps ourselves; be self compassionate and support others.

The summary of conversations with CEOs can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matthew-winn-b750b67a_leadershipandcultureinhealthcare-activity-7201477667332726784-4BzQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Matthew Winn, podcast host and an experienced leader in healthcare in the UK.