Most medical practice leaders' personal development goals are about people 

Last week, we discovered margin pressures and the ripple effects from staffing shortages were the top leadership priorities in medical group practices. But how individual leaders work toward improving themselves in the profession often is less about process and more about people. 

With operational and financial know-how as the table stakes for practice management, it is unsurprising that so many practice leaders see people-centric areas as their priority for development. An Aug. 26, 2025, MGMA Stat poll found that nearly seven respondents in 10 said their top personal focus related primarily back to people in the practice: 

• 25% said coaching/mentoring was their top personal focus. 
• 22% pointed to change management 
• 21% said organizational culture 
• Another 23% noted AI/data fluency was their top focus, and 9% said “other.” 

The poll had 276 applicable responses. 

Past MGMA Stat polling showed a sharp focus on how leaders show up, as time management topped the list (33%), with communication and coaching/mentoring tied for second (23% each), and team building at 16%. Open-ended responses highlighted plans to learn AI and data analytics, pursue public-speaking coaching, and schedule team retreats to strengthen collaboration. 

What’s happening today on these topics 

• On organizational culture, sentiment is mixed: A February 2025 poll found 52% satisfied with their culture (mission, vision, engagement), while 40% were not and 8% unsure — a nudge that culture work remains a leadership priority. 
• For AI and data, leaders are leaning in. A January 2025 poll found AI tools (32%) rose to the top tech priority for the year; by April, only 19% reported using chatbots/virtual assistants — a signal that data/AI fluency is strategic, but adoption is uneven. 
• Early wins are emerging, though: many practices reported improved staff engagement scores in late 2024 polling, and 2025 turnover rates are holding steady or improving in many groups — proof that better coaching and clearer culture can have an impact. 

How the 2025 Leaders Conference meets those needs 

1. Build a culture people believe in 

Monday’s mainstage session, “Creating a Culture of Impact and Purpose,” features award-winning innovator and storyteller Mick Eberling of Not Impossible Labs on the direct effects of aligning values and behaviors. Reinforce the message with insights from Katie Lawrence’s “Empowered through Accountability: Building a Culture of Responsibility.” Round it out with engagement tactics presented during “Enhancing Employee Engagement to Optimize Retention” by Ronald Menaker and Tracey Schwartz.  

2. Level up AI/data fluency without the hype 

Whether your practice is still learning where AI can be useful or looking to add more automation to your workflow, the Leaders Conference schedule has you covered: 

• Futurist and author Crystal Washington’s mainstage presentation, “Generative AI for Leaders: Staying Ahead in a Machine-Driven World,” explores the latest advances in GenAI and how you can safely harness them to drive efficiency and competitive advantage. 
• Mo Kasti, MS, MBB, MCA, and Brian Sinotte, MBA, offer an interactive workshop, “New Leadership Skills in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” to help leaders assess their capabilities and readiness to lead their teams through rapid technological transformation. 
• If you’re more focused on just getting the right data for growth and not necessarily AI, “Evolving the Analytics Stack for Strategic Growth” examines best practices for building practice- and specialty-specific KPIs to support expanding goals. 

3. Make change feel doable and durable 

Preconference workshops — including “A Lens into Leadership” and “Unleashing Leadership Resilience” — can help you define a case for change and build stamina. Then layer on learnings on adapting amid uncertainty, decision tools, and how to run meetings that accelerate decisions. 

4. Coach and mentor at every level 

Learn to building your own operational leadership development program or discover strategies to empower other leaders. Find innovative training programs, plus academic-focused leadership sessions. Pair these with peer Resource Groups to ensure you can be a visible leader and help the next generation of administrators. 

Join MGMA Stat

Our ability at MGMA to provide great resources, education and advocacy depends on a strong feedback loop with healthcare leaders. To be part of this effort, sign up for MGMA Stat and make your voice heard in our weekly polls. Sign up by texting “STAT” to 33550 or visit mgma.com/mgma-stat. Polls will be sent to your phone via text message.