| What are the leadership competences used by Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operational supervisors? Grande Prairie Regional EMS (GPREMS) sponsored action research so that its operational supervisors could self-identify leadership competencies they use. One group of supervisors (n=10) completed an anonymous online survey, and another (n=8) participated in a focus group. Identified competencies were correlated amongst supervisors and validated against accepted leadership competencies from the literature. Research findings were that the supervisors felt capable when using the competencies and did so consistently and frequently; not all possessed them but all were present; and organizational and team culture, as well as mentoring and coaching, played a significant role in competency development. It is important the new parent EMS organization ensures strong and active leadership competencies in its operational supervisors and as part of its culture. Consideration should be given to a common competency language and succession planning for future supervisors. |
