Paradigm shift to strengthen public health programming: A case for a unified public health leadership approach

The continued challenges in public health programs and in particular the dearth of tested approaches that hinges on systems thinking approach, holistic planning and implementation with all relevant stakeholder calls for newer approaches in public health leadership. This work advances a unified leadership theory drawn from skills approach, high coaching and high directive behavior and system thinking approach. The unified leadership approach underscored key leadership themes: system thinking, vision, power sharing, process based and collateral leaderships. It is expected that such a multi-prong approach will strengthen holistic planning with input from all concerned partners, facilitate clarity of roles and balancing of power so that it will improve coordination, collaboration, commitment, program sustainability and oversight function that will result in effective public health interventions.   Key words: Leadership theories, leadership styles, program outcomes