A final reflection: One day a situation developed within a medical residency training program I directed. I had a secretary state that she wanted to transfer from my office as she was uncomfortable working for an individual (me) that demanded such a high performance level out of her.
My chairman (my boss) became highly angered when that secretary contacted her that same day saying she wanted to resign her position. It only took 30 minutes for my chairman to come barreling into my office. Watching her approach my building and following her steps to my office actually reminded me of the scene in the Wizard of Oz when a ticked off wicked witch of the west was riding her bicycle in an angered mood.
Before she started yelling at me I first said: Dr. S, let me first say that I consider myself above anything else to be a musician first, and a physician second. As a musician, I prefer playing in a small jazz ensemble which is the way I run my program and my office. Why? Because I have more chance to interplay one on one with those in the ensemble, to solo off their lead and for them to solo off my lead. When a person in that ensemble finds they can no longer perform with the ensemble, they have the flexibility to leave. And you know, when I am playing in a jazz ensemble and the tension comes out of the horn, and the crowed hears that tension, it ends with applause and appreciation by the audience. not scolding or consternation as is more typical of a medical environment.
Now when I play in your ensemble, a large medical division, I see myself playing rather in orchestra with you as the director. In an orchestra, I regard my role as rather becoming your instrument, and as such I perform as you direct me to perform, and as a result of your excellent leadership as an orchestra director your department performs with excellence. I then stated let's respect that in a high function ensemble, small group versus a large orchestra, there are dynamic differences that are required to lead to the most successful performance possible. All I ask of you is you respect the differences between my small group ensemble and your orchestra.
My chairman immediately calmed down, stated "I see your point" got up and left my office without saying anything more. The next day I hired a new secretary that performed exceptionally well with my program and my chairman was even more happy with my new ensembles performance.