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Andrea Raines and Karen Hardin
Introduction
Leadership Styles
Course Outcome
Leadership Qualities & Behaviors
| Integrity | Think critically |
| Courage | Solve problems |
| Initiative | Respect person |
| Energy | Listen |
| Optimism | Communication Skills |
| Perseverance | Set goals |
| Balance | Envision future |
| Ability to handle stress | Develop oneself |
| Self-awareness | Coach others |
| Influence |
A Leader must use many different interpersonal skills to communicate a vision and influence others to commit to the team goals. Having the capacity to earn and hold trust is a characteristic of leadership earned through authentic and accountable actions. A level of enthusiasm, energy, and commitment allow the leader to communicate a vision which may often inspire those around to commit to the team and achieve goals. Because of this level of influence, the nurse leader should be aware of their personal attitudes reflected in the work of others around them. Depending on the situation or task, the leader may need to utilize multiple leadership styles (Frandsen, 2014).Gender Differences and Leadership: Males and females use different styles. Women tend to adopt a more democratic or participative style unless in a male-dominated job. Because nursing is a traditionally feminine-dominated profession, we typically see female nurses in leadership positions. Women historically have practiced with a transformational style of leadership. Multiple research studies by Carless, Ross, Offerman, Eagly, Loganathan, & Krishnan (as cited by Apore & Asamoah, 2019) support this fact. Historically men have used a more transactional leadership style.
1C–46 air evacuation during World War II from Manila, Philippine Islands. Patients in bunks in a plane. Nurse in uniform standing near bunks. Soldier writing at a desk Manila, Philippine Islands. Original image from National Museum of Health and Medicine. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel https://www.rawpixel.com/image/2298594/f 1
Types of Leadership Styles
Leadership may be formal or informal. Formal leadership is practiced by nurses with legitimate authority such as a manager, supervisor, or coordinator. Informal leadership is exercised by a nurse or staff member who does not have a specified management role. An example of informal leadership might be an Advanced Practicing Registered Nurse, and Education Specialist, or a nurse in the area of Quality Improvement.
- The autocratic leadership style is based on centralized decision making. This leader will make decisions and expect obedience from subordinates.
- The democratic leadership style allows for shared authority. The leader will allow others to participate in decision making.
- The Laissez-faire leadership style defers all decision making to those functioning as followers.
- Transactional Leadership- system based on rewards to motivate followers
- Transformational Leadership- a balanced style of leader using encouragement to achieve organizational goals. It uses high levels of communication and enthusiasm to achieve mutual respect from followers
- The employee-centered leader focuses on the human needs of the employee.
Personality
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Each of us has a personality profile that reflects our own unique blend of personality traits. Personality is a collection of our motivation, needs, and preferences that serve as a blueprint to our strengths and weaknesses. Why are some people anxious all the time and others relaxed? Why do some people seek out danger while others prefer to stay home? Why are some people more generous, outgoing, or self-disciplined? The range of personality around us can seem elusive and difficult to understand. Who we think we are determines both how we perform and what we can become. Who we are behaviorally is controlled by 50% genes and 50% our environment (Krueger, South, Johnson, & Iacono, 2008). Now, the question becomes, is there a universal characteristic that makes people successful?
Each personality trait has advantages and disadvantages. Understanding your personality can help you improve yourself and find your niche. You don’t have to change your personality traits –only the way you deal with them. Your personality may be outside your control, however, your actions aren’t. Interpersonal skills are necessary for nurse leaders to promote communities which foster happy work environments where nurses can communicate openly while feeling valued and loved (Keogh, Robinson, & Parnell, 2019). When you closely examine the traits that make you who you are, you’ll know what you need to overcome to be a better person and how to work towards a happier and more fulfilling life. Personality clashes can cause unnecessary conflict, lower morale, impede cooperation between team members, and reduce productivity.
There are many different personality tests which nurse leaders are encouraged to take.
Taking a personality test provides the leader with much needed information on being introverted or extroverted, your personal feelings, and it allows you to see the characteristics of each style and the ways to deal with your positive and negative strengths. Evaluation of the nurse leader’s personality test may reveal surprising results which may lead to an awareness of previously unrecognized traits. Having a clear understanding of personality may lead to improved work, thus leading to improved connections and team work (Childs-Kean, Edwards, & Smith, 2020).