MTS4 - Change Is the Only Constant: Strategies for Being an Effective QI Leader

In community psychiatry, effective leadership and strategic change management are pivotal for enhancing patient care and organizational effectiveness. This workshop is tailored for clinical leaders in community mental health settings, such as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). The primary goal of the workshop is to integrate quality improvement (QI) methodologies with adaptive leadership principles to support change management in clinical contexts. Participants will be introduced to common tools used in QI to organize and structure projects, with associated examples based on CCBHC quality and performance measures.

The workshop will also introduce the principles of adaptive leadership, a model that encourages flexibility and mobilizes teams to address complex challenges collaboratively. Participants will explore strategies to foster organizational agility and connect team members’ motivation for change. Specific skills for managing resistance, engaging stakeholders, making deliberate decisions, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement will be described.

By integrating these QI and adaptive leadership approaches, clinical leaders will be equipped to navigate the complexities inherent in community mental health settings, ensuring responsive and high-quality patient care.