Plastic surgery leadership in an institution: a primer.

Leadership can be defined as not only the position of a leader, but the ability to function as one. This brief review of leadership is focused on what is involved in leading a plastic surgery unit in an institution. Characteristics of a good leader, identified by those who are being led, are discussed. In addition to that, the character of the individual leading is also reviewed, because it is such a critical ingredient in a person's capacity to lead others. Leadership characteristics can be learned and opportunities for growth in this area are discussed. The result of good leadership of a plastic surgery unit will indubitably result in the enhancement of the plastic surgery unit in an institution and plastic surgery as a specialty.