Today we talk about LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT FOR HEALTH WORKERS, a book by Obinna O Oleribe, Frederick Nwosu, Simon D Taylor Robinson, published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the authors Obinna O Oleribe, Frederick Nwosu, Simon D Taylor Robinson, to get to know them better, what is the purpose of their book LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT FOR HEALTH WORKERS, as well as what was it like to work together.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- What is the purpose of your book?
We studied the management and leadership styles of some health leaders and managers and found that majority had none. Actually, a very large percentage of them had never been exposed to any form of formal training in leadership and management (Oleribe, 2009). We also did studies to explore the causes of heath care challenges in Africa and discovered that the most highlighted factors were linked to poor leadership and management practices (Oleribe et al, 2016, 2018 & 2019). This informed the need to write this book to provide a template for healthy leadership and management of health establishments in Africa in particular and the world at large. This book is a comprehensive document addressing the leadership and management challenges in the health industry from practitioners’ perspectives. It begins with a basic definition of core terms, to the analysis of health policies and leadership and management theories. It also explores the issues around data science, meeting management, group dynamics, communication and conflict management, management of superiors, and several other topical issues. In addition, the book introduces the concept of deliberate proactive leadership style as enunciated by Dr. Obinna Oleribe. It was written by practicing professionals and management experts from three different continents in several professions including medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, dental, etc. The purpose of this book is to change the health system landscape through effective, efficient and result-oriented leadership and management as current leaders and managers use the book as a template for good leadership across the world.
- Was the idea for this book born at a particular moment? What was that?
The idea for the book came when we discovered that most management and leadership books used for most postgraduate training in Africa up to doctorate level in health leadership were written by individuals with little or no African health leadership and management experience. In addition, current standard texts in leadership and management were written by management experts with little or no health management background or experience. We, therefore, wanted to fill this need with a book that is written by practitioners in the health industry, and by authors drawn from multiple specialties to destroy the silos seen in the health eco-system. With authors from different professionals, institutions, and academia, we present a one-stop shop for health leadership and management in Africa for all health leaders in Africa and across the world.
- What was it like to work together?
Developing the book was a major test in leadership and management. It was tough working with over 30 subject matter experts living in multiple time zones across three continents, having one or more full-time employment plus home management, coming from different professions and walks of life, and having different backgrounds and goals. However, we were able to complete the process despite these challenges and differences in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a practical test of the management and leadership concepts we shared in the book.
- How did it feel to have your book published?
Publishing this book is very satisfying, but not out first. However, it is our very first with so many subject matter experts coming together to achieve a common goal. Having the book in the hands of those who need to use it to make the healthcare system better will be very fulfilling. And seeing the book make a difference in health outcomes, and improve health systems and management, will be exhilarating. We are glad to see this book published but look forward to the positive impact the book will make on the health system.
- Are you planning to write more books together and of the same genre?
This not in the pipeline, but we hope to develop a second expanded edition of the current book in the future. If the book penetrates the market effectively, then we will start working on an expanded updated second edition.
Europe Books thanks the authors Obinna O Oleribe, Frederick Nwosu, Simon D Taylor Robinson once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside them on the editorial path that led to the publication of their book LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT FOR HEALTH WORKERS. We wish them the best of luck for their book and for their future works.
To you, my dear reader, I wish that this book is of your interest and useful for deepening the hard and soft issues related to leadership such as relationships among people within meetings, groups, conflicts to manage, and much more. All this thanks to a group of professionals who have made their professionalism and experience available to all those interested readers who want to know more about it.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy you reading!
Your editor!