Quantum Leadership

Ten Principles of Quantum Leadership

Jessica McGaha

Nurs 6655

Idaho State University

Tim Porter-O’Grady andKathy Malloch developed the ten principles of Quantum Leadership. Quantum Leadership encompasses Complexity Theory and Chaos Theory to guide the leader in understanding relationships, behaviors and change. The ten principles are as follows:

“Principle 1: Wholes are made up of parts

 Principle 2: All health care is local

Principle 3: Adding value to a part adds value to the whole

Principle 4: Simple systems make up complex systems

Principle 5: Diversity is a necessity of life

Principle 6: Error is essential to creation

Principle 7: Systems thrive when all of their functions intersect and interact

Principle 8: Equilibrium and disequilibrium are in constant tension

Principle 9: Change is generated from the center outward

Principle 10: Revolution results from the aggregation of local changes”

(Porter-O’Grady and Malloch, 2011)

There are various personality traits, skills and leadership abilities that could make one successful in the new ways of thinking, as described in the ten principles of Quantum Leadership. Personality traits and behaviors have a large effect on how we build and maintain relationships with others, therefore self-awareness is an important trait for leaders to have.

A visionary leader has the ability to view the potential reality, as described by Porter-O’Grady and Malloch (2011). The visionary is able to think outside of the box and have innovative ideas. Having new ideas and new ways of looking at situations can allow for new ways of approach. Innovation in health care is at the forefront of moving forward and being successful.

A quantum leader needs to be empathetic. An empathetic leader can see the efforts and impact on all sides, including that at point of service and the system as a whole. This allows them to understand the struggles and needs of each perspective, which leads to effective mediation when conflict arises.

Being a team player is also important in the quantum leadership principles. The team player strives to do their share of work and holds others accountable for expected outcomes. The quantum leader also needs to be able to see the big picture on how we all affect one another. The leader needs to understand and operate the controls to fly the plane, but cannot forget to look out the windshield. All the smaller units and pieces together create the larger outcome.

The ability to analyze is an important leadership ability. Being able to analytically breakdown a system or process, to figure out where or what can be considered as an opportunity, is just as important as being able to see how each unit feeds the system. The quantum leader also views issues as opportunities, not problems.

          Finally, the quantum leader is flexible and non-controlling. It is important for the leader to be able to “read the sign posts (Porter-O’Grady and Malloch, 2011)” and adjust speed and direction accordingly.

References

Tim Porter-O’Grady & Kathy Malloch (2011). Quantum Leadership: Advancing Innovation, Transforming Health Care (3^rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.