Executive Coaching in a Healthcare Setting: An Exploration of the Impacts, Outcomes, and Challenges in a Changing, Complex Environment

Complexity is a phenomenon found in nature and science. The study of human social behavior and complexity is becoming more widely understood. Complexity science with the understanding of how individuals interact and adapt within complex systems has been studied across many business sectors. Healthcare has been identified as a complex system, however, the research and the behaviors of leaders have not taken the foothold for progress and change like it has in other business sectors. While many have identified the need for change such as the Institute of Medicine’s Quality Chasm Report and the Triple Aim imperative, the amount of disruption needed for effective outcomes to occur, has not been seen in the US healthcare delivery system. This capstone addresses one area of healthcare where promising results have shown impact. The results suggest that emotional intelligence gained through executive coaching with senior leaders helps them gain perspective and understanding of themselves and others to lead the way for change; positive leadership behaviors, in turn affect the broader organization and the landscape of healthcare itself. With that, there is promise that leaders may be able to create the path forward for making the nation and the world a healthier place.