Listen, Think, Act: A Radiology Leader’s Mantra for 2025
By Dr. Nicole Dhanraj
I always considered myself an intentional, self-reflective leader who considers different perspectives and makes thoughtful decisions. But recently, I found myself in the fishbowl – caught up in the whirlwind of problem-solving, dare I say, very myopic. I was listening to issues but only scratching the surface. Thankfully, I paused – well, to be honest, I got a nudge from a colleague – who kindly pointed out I was trapped in the fishbowl. In that moment, I realized I was missing something important.
As leaders, we often react, but how often do we stop and reflect when there’s chaos and a mountain of things to fix?
That moment of self-awareness has shaped how I’m approaching 2025: Listen. Think. Then act.
I’ve always been known as a fixer who jumps in to solve problems. But in doing so, I’ve sometimes missed the deeper meaning of what’s really going on. Moving forward, I’m committed to slowing down, listening carefully, and considering the bigger picture before acting. This is my mantra for the new year, and I invite you to reflect on your own leadership as we head into 2025.
The Power of Listening Beyond the Surface
We all like to think we’re good listeners, right? But sometimes, listening feels more like checking a box than truly absorbing what’s being said. In our fast-paced environment, especially in radiology, it’s easy to hear the words but miss the message entirely.
And here’s where it gets tricky: sometimes, we get caught up in the loudest voice in the room – the one who is constantly complaining, the one with strong opinions and an insistent belief that they have the right solution. These voices often dominate conversations, steering leaders toward quick fixes that might silence the complaint but don’t solve the deeper issues beneath the surface.
I had a technologist who frequently raised concerns about workflow. At first, I jumped in with quick fixes – adjusting schedules and redistributing tasks – but the complaints didn’t stop. It wasn’t until I stepped back, gathered input from the entire team, and asked “why” five times that I realized the real issue wasn’t just the workflow. There was a deeper communication gap between the staff and leadership. Once I moved beyond focusing on the loudest voice and asked for broader input, we finally got to the heart of the problem.
Think, Then Act: The Heart of Thoughtful Leadership
This is where the magic happens – between listening and acting. Thinking isn’t just a pause button; it’s an intentional process that shapes how we move forward. It’s tempting to jump straight from hearing the issue to fixing it, but thoughtful leadership means taking that extra beat to consider a 360-degree perspective.
It’s easy to assume we know best – after all, we’re the leaders, right? But one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that true leadership requires involving all voices – whether it’s radiologists, technologists or administrative staff. By ensuring all perspectives are heard, you not only get a fuller picture of the situation, but you also show your team that their insights matter – not just who has the loudest voice or the strongest personality.
Sometimes, it’s not just about asking why once but continuing to question and discuss the findings with your team. The more you dig into the situation, the more precise the root of the problem becomes. And when people feel like they’ve had a voice in the process, it eases frustrations, prevents tension and eliminates the culture of blaming. How often have we rushed to fix a problem only to realize later that someone’s perspective was overlooked? Including everyone from the start fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, ensuring you’re acting on the best possible information.
As Simon Sinek wisely puts it, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” Listening and thoughtful reflection are key to doing just that.
One framework I’ve found helpful in navigating this process is the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act):
Observe: Gather all the relevant information from your team and the situation.
Orient: Consider the information in the context of your department’s goals, challenges and available resources.
Decide: Choose your next steps based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation and input from your team.
Act: Move forward, knowing your decision has been built on the insights and perspectives of all those involved.
This structured approach allows you to slow down, listen, think critically and act thoughtfully – a skill we often lose sight of in the chaos that surrounds us.
The Challenges of Thinking Before Acting
I won’t sugarcoat it – taking time to think deeply and involve others isn’t always easy. In radiology, decisions must often be made quickly, and jumping into action is tempting. But rushing to act without considering all perspectives often leads to frustration or blame when things don’t work out.
The first challenge is time constraints. When your department is busy, it can feel like there’s no room to think. But even small adjustments can make a big difference. Taking five extra minutes to check in with your team or ask one more question can help you avoid bigger issues down the line.
Then there’s organizational pressure. We’ve all felt the push from upper management to make decisions quickly and show results. I’ve been in that situation more times than I can count. However, acting without fully considering the situation can result in long-term inefficiencies. Advocating for a “think-first” approach in your department, where thoughtful decisions are valued, can lead to better outcomes that are sustainable.
Involving your team in this thinking process can also be met with resistance. Asking for input from everyone takes time, and not all teams are used to this level of engagement. But the more your team sees the value in being heard, the more they will embrace this collaborative thinking. By involving your team, you reduce tensions and frustration from feeling unheard.
Your Leadership Mantra for 2025: Listen. Think. Act.
As you head into the new year, ask yourself:
• Am I listening to really understand or just to respond?
• Am I taking the time to think about the bigger picture?
• Am I acting in a way that addresses the root of the problem?
By incorporating these three steps – Listen. Think. Act. – you can elevate your leadership and make a more meaningful impact.
Radiology is a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, but leadership doesn’t have to be rushed. Take the time to reflect, involve your team and act with purpose. Here’s to a year of intentional, reflective leadership!
Nicole Dhanraj, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, PMP, GPHR, CPSS, CRA, R.T(R)(CT)(MR), is an experienced imaging director.
