Dr Peter Homa CBE - How leaders should look after themselves

Nottingham Business School Business Leaders

Healthcare leader Peter Homa believes the most important thing for any leader is to believe in what you’re doing – even if it means walking away from a job to avoid being compromised.

As Director General of the Defence Medical Services, Peter has been in charge of health care for every member of the British military for almost two years.

But he also spent a quarter of a century running three of Britain’s biggest NHS teaching hospitals – and was founding chair of the NHS Leadership Academy.

He told the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast: “Experience has taught me the fundamental importance of values – and not compromising them.

“There was one particular occasion where I resigned. At the time, it felt like a very heavy decision. But… I was being asked to enact a role that wasn’t the one I’d applied for, in a way that I was profoundly uncomfortable doing. I chose to get out of it.

“It was uncomfortable at the time, but it was entirely the right thing to do.”

In this episode of the NBS podcast, Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi asks Dr Homa how successful leaders maintain transparency, even under intense pressure.

Peter says: “In healthcare we exhort our clinical colleagues to be open when things go wrong. As managers we need to lead by example. So, when I’ve done something wrong, it’s very important I demonstrate the behaviour I expect of others.

“Also, through sharing adversities and difficulties, we build up levels of trust and confidence in each other.”

Peter, who is also a member of Nottingham Business School’s advisory board, believes the most successful leaders keep a watchful eye on their own health.

He thinks this will be increasingly important in the future.

“I sense younger colleagues have a deeper sense of looking after themselves… a better sense of balance,” he says.

“Many are concerned with working reasonable hours. I didn’t. I worked every hour I could… with downsides in having lost really important, irreplaceable time with family.

“Younger colleagues recognise time has got to be invested in home, family and loved ones, as well as work.”

And this is reflected in the advice Peter offers the next generation of senior managers and leaders.

“One of the first tasks of a leader is to look after themselves,” he says.

“If they can’t look after themselves, they won’t be able to look after those people who are looking to them for leadership.

“On occasions I’ve been completely knackered… I haven’t been able to devote quality attention to individuals or issues… and that has led to poorer outcomes and results.

“So, take care of yourself. Focus on mind, body and soul. And enjoy!”