Episode 33. Backstage with: Prof Michael West

After a bit of a break, The Next GenCast is back with some amazing guests for you... And that starts with this episode, which is with our most requested guest since the podcast started- Professor Michael West. Michael West is officially Professor of Work and Organisational Psychology at Lancaster University, but he’s known to many as the guru on compassionate leadership for the NHS. He’s worked tirelessly to develop cultures of high quality and compassionate care in health services over the last 35 years with a strong focus on the wellbeing of staff. Amongst a myriad of achievements, he led the development of the NHS National Staff Survey, and recently co-chaired the two-year independent inquiry on behalf of the UK General Medical Council into the mental health and well-being of doctors. He was appointed a CBE in 2020 for services to compassion and innovation in healthcare. *Highlights: His story (5 mins) How does showing compassion differ from just being nice? (10 mins) Core elements of compassionate leadership (14 mins) What stops us from doing this? (20 mins) Dealing with difficult leaders (29 mins) Happiness at work (35 mins) Moral distress (37 mins) Listening with fascination - top tips (43 mins) Self compassion (48 mins) Quick fire (55 mins) *Resources: His latest book- "Compssionate Leadership: Sustaining Wisdom, Humanity and Presence in Health and Social Care" His book recommendation: Hope in the Dark, by Rebecca Solnit A helpful explainer on compassionate leadership by Michael West, with The Kings Fund *Social media: @WestM61 @NextGGP/ @nishmanek *Subscribe to the Next Gen GP monthly bulletin to keep in the loop: bit.ly/NGGPbulletin https://nextgenerationgp.co.uk/