Outward Vs. Inward Mindset (Reflecting on November's PLA Session)

Jeff Biehl presents at November PLA session

“An engaging & inclusive speaker” is how one 2018-2019 Physicians Leadership Academy Class Member described Faculty Member Jeff Biehl, who presented at the November 1st class. The topic of Biehl’s session was “Improving Our Leadership Mindset.”


This lesson emphasized having an outward mindset, as opposed to an inward one. An outward mindset allows us to be aware of – and interested in – the needs, objectives, and challenges of others. When we are aware and concerned of these needs, we focus our own behaviors and objectives to help others achieve theirs.

The converse is an inward mindset. With this approach, we become self-focused; choosing not to see others’ needs, objectives, and challenges. This makes it impossible to align our own objectives with the needs of others.

Looking ahead to our December class, the topic will be “Introduction to Organizational Culture and System Change,” presented by faculty member, Donna Alvarado.

Alvarado has served on numerous corporate boards including manufacturing, banking, transportation and services industries. She has also served as Chairwoman of the Ohio Board of Regents, held executive and legislative staff appointments at the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Congress, and was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to lead the federal agency ACTION.

She will speak on organizational and system’s theories. The session will focus on assessing an organization’s culture – how to recognize where systems-change is effective and where it is not.

Physicians listen intently to Biehl’s presentation during the November PLA session

Nineteen physicians are enrolled in the 2018-2019 Physicians Leadership Academy class. Enrollment for the 2021-2022 class begins February 1st. For more information about the PLA visit: www.physiciansleadershipacademy.org.