In a recent interview with Jacob Hutcherson, Tawanna McInnis-Cole discussed the essential shift from mastering technical skills in Infection Prevention to developing the crucial management skills needed to lead effectively. Tawanna candidly shared her journey from being a staff Infection Preventionist to a leader within her organization, emphasizing the importance of investing in leadership training early on.
Tawanna acknowledged that while Infection Preventionists are well-trained in the technical aspects of their role, management skills often aren’t part of the standard training curriculum. Recognizing this gap, she made a personal commitment to enhance her leadership abilities. Tawanna took advantage of every opportunity available, attending courses on building agile teams and leadership training sessions originally designed for charge nurses. These courses laid the foundation for her to transition from managing a program to leading people with confidence and purpose.
One of the key lessons Tawanna learned is that managing a program is very different from managing people. She emphasized that effective leadership requires continuous learning and a deep understanding of the individuals you lead. For her, true leadership means not only guiding a team but also adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of healthcare, where expectations, technologies, and workforce demographics constantly evolve.
Tawanna pointed out that a significant part of being a successful leader is understanding and addressing the diverse needs of a multi-generational and multicultural workforce. Just like you can’t treat every child the same, you also can’t manage every employee the same way. She highlighted the importance of considering equity, diversity, inclusion, and the social determinants of health when leading a team, ensuring that each person’s background and perspective are respected and valued.
Her advice to aspiring leaders in Infection Prevention is simple yet profound: never stop learning. Tawanna’s journey from technical expert to effective manager is a testament to the value of continuous growth. She believes that the best leaders are those who adapt, evolve, and remain open to new ideas, staying committed to understanding and meeting the needs of their team in a changing world.