BLOG
Why Nursing Recognition Matters
May 10, 2018, Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
https://www.emergingrnleader.com/why-nursing-recognition-matters/
Dr Rose Sherman is a nurse educator and editor-in-chief of Nurse Leader; the official journal of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Her words provide tremendous support and wisdom on this topic.
Dr Rose Sherman shared her insights into how and why recognition matters to people, with nurses as a key focus. She builds on the concept of shared values and respect for others while creating a sense of community on teams through celebrations.
Recognition of one's effort and of a job well done is an important step in building commitment and social support.
Visual cues and verbal reinforcements, such as presence, smiling, warmth in tone, and actually saying thank-you, are essential leadership and team-building skills.
When leaders fail to say thank-you or take the recognition for themselves, staff feel devalued.
As I read this blog, I am reminded of the many things I do not do often enough. Dr Sherman's questions inspire me to develop behavior changes that I will monitor often.
These simple questions remind me to be present and to share my joy in work and success with others who certainly contribute and often are the reason for my own joy and/or success. I know I do not say thank-you enough, to my colleagues and to my family who support me in similar ways.
These questions now sit above my desk-as a reminder to continue to monitor my behavior and to practice meaningful communication techniques that reflect how much I value and respect my colleagues!
* Do I look for opportunities to celebrate achievements, or I do I convey an attitude that the individual is just doing his/her job?
* Do I provide staff with regular feedback about their work?
* Am I personally present when celebrations occur?
* How often do I say thank-you or send a message that recognizes great performance?
* Do I look to create a spirit of community and social support in my work unit?
* How well do I really know my staff?
* How often do I say thank-you?
* Do I celebrate staff who leave my work unit for other professional development opportunities?
In her blog, Dr Sherman shares a resource for leaders, The Leadership Challenge, sixth edition, by James Knozes and Barry Posner.
BOOK
Kouzes J, Posner B. The Leadership Challenge, 6th Edition. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass; 2017.
This text serves as a field guide for leaders and is an important tool for nurse leaders. The book has subdivisions labeled as practice sections and within each chapter. This text is instructive and insightful. The authors direct readers through exercises using practice step discussed in the previous chapter. Chapter I introduces a discussion about when leaders are at their best. One key component of this is being present and knowing your constituents. The process of knowing is linked to being present, often a leadership skill that must be practiced and refined.
Examples of leadership styles and models are provided with a great deal of insight and retrospective discussion with leaders from many industries.
Throughout this process, the authors refer to what they describe as the "Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership": model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and encourage the heart. This is an important resource for all leaders and may be especially helpful to nurse leaders as they continue to develop and mentor new staff.