Understanding motivations and behaviours of our influencers: What can pharmacists learn from their leaders?

Background: There has been considerable discussion regarding the "leadership crisis" in pharmacy, with concerns that insufficient numbers of pharmacists want to take on leadership roles in their own profession. This exploratory study of leaders and influencers in pharmacy was undertaken to characterize the motivations for and behaviours of titled and untitled leaders, in order to help other pharmacists learn from their experiences. Methods: Interviews with 28 individuals who self-identified or were described by others as leaders (with or without formal titles) and influencers in pharmacy were conducted using online platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams). A semistructured interview guide was used and refined during the interviews. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method to identify common themes. Results: While participants in this study all described different trajectories towards leadership or influencer roles, several common themes emerged, including 1) personal characteristics that enable leadership roles/activities, 2) environmental supports and drivers that propel leadership forward, 3) positive reinforcers that maintain momentum towards leadership aspirations and 4) general predictors of success as a leader/influencer in pharmacy. Discussion: To address the "leadership crisis" in pharmacy, it will be necessary to motivate and support individuals in assuming these roles. Findings from this study have highlighted the complex and individual pathways current leaders have undertaken to achieve these roles and have signposted ways in which organizations, managers and mentors can support nascent leadership aspirations in productive ways.