S3E2: The Accidental Leader with Dr. Gayle Iwamasa

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Gayle Iwamasa, the National Director of Inpatient Mental Health Services in the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the VHA Central Office. Along with this role, Dr. Iwamasa is currently detailed to lead the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee for the Department of Defense.
In this conversation, Gayle shares the missteps leaders may confront when unintentionally finding themselves in a leadership role. This conversation explores the complicated task of accidental leadership. Listen in to uncover the key lessons that were hiding behind this leader’s missteps.

Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E2.pdf ===============================

Key Lessons:
1) If you are feeling like an imposter in your role – check to see if you have been thrust into a role you have not been developed for. You may be an accidental leader.
2) Accidental leadership is difficult for people because they are often given the responsibility with no support or given the title with no training. Accidental leaders can overcome this by requesting training or asking for support from others.
3) Mentorship is vital when moving through your leadership journey.

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