The foundation of a healthy community requires a highly qualified workforce capable of positively influencing many health-related factors at the individual, community, and policy levels. This collective is known as the maternal and child health (MCH) workforce. In 2023, the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau released the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Competencies to support current and future MCH leaders by defining the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in this field. The LEND Curriculum addresses these MCH competencies.
Self. The leadership process begins with the focus on self where leadership is directed at one’s own
learning through readings, instruction, reflection, and planned and serendipitous experiences.
Individuals increasingly learn to direct their actions and growth toward specific issues, challenges, and attainment of desired goals.
Others. Leadership in the next sphere extends to coworkers, colleagues, trainees, fellow students, and patients. The behavior and attitudes of others are influenced and possibly altered through the actions and interactions of the individual. Leadership and influence can remain at this level of impact for long periods of time.
Wider Community. Leadership can also extend to have a broader impact on entire organizations, systems, and general modes of practice. These wider areas of impact and influence require additional skills and a broader understanding of the change process
and factors that influence change over time.