Leaders need to look in the mirror.

Abstract

Purpose of review: There is commonly a discrepancy between optimal physician leader behavior and actual physician leader behavior. Identifying and addressing this discrepancy is essential to optimize culture in high-risk care units.

Recent findings: Unit culture is directly linked to improving well tolerated and effective care. Adoption of strategies to better address bad behavior is necessary.

Summary: To address a toxic culture in a high-risk unit, physician leaders must first look inwards and take personal responsibility for their actions and words. It is a much easier task to talk about healthy culture than it is to walk it.