Mental health and values-based leadership

Abstract

Values-based leadership offers a good way forward in mental health leadership and the emerging UK mental health market. People with mental health needs have historically waited too long for assessment and treatment. While demand for mental health and mental 'wellness' services is rising, access has improved, as has the variety of what is offered, particularly in the community. Service users and patients can now choose, and some will be advised that, while convenience and additional quality are important, the values of the individual or team advising or treating them are fundamental. Mental health staff derive their value base from a blend of influences, such as inspiring practitioners, past role models and often from service users themselves. However, their boss is more crucial than all of these, especially if that boss was responsible for appointing them. Values-based leadership makes it possible to be entrepreneurial within a value base.