As a home health nurse for the past 23 years, the terms able, willing, and available are frequently used to describe a patient's or caregiver's ability to assist the home health staff in implementing the plan of care for that patient. Those who work in the home health setting know that many times a patient or a caregiver is able to assist in his or her own care but for many reasons is not willing and available. Similarly, a patient or caregiver may be willing and available but not able to participate in his or her individual plan of care because of a lack of knowledge, physical limitations, or both.
The same can be said about a person who is interested in becoming a volunteer leader. One needs to be able, willing, and available to get involved and serve the people to whom his or her allegiance lies. For WOC nurses, this means our wound, ostomy, and continence patients. As leaders, we are responsible for influencing the future of our tri-specialty and, ultimately, for advancing nursing as a whole.
After attending my fourth WOCN Strategic Planning Session, I remain impressed with the level of dedication and commitment to the society's mission, values, and goals. From our volunteer leaders, as well as our consumer and industry leaders, many took time from their regular day jobs and clinical practices to participate in the important work of developing a "roadmap" for the society to follow during the next 3-5 years. They are definitely able, willing, and available!!
In John Maxwell's book, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, he describes a leader as one who is able to get a running start for the team.1 Leaders are able to see further, anticipate what lies ahead, and, as a result, get the team moving in the right direction in a timely manner, putting them in a position to succeed. Identifying and mentoring team members who exhibit leadership potential increases the chances the team has to continue on the path of success.
Similarly, the WOCN Society's success lies in the ability to identify, recruit, and provide potential leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and thus serve a greater number of its members. This ensures the viability of our organization. With the "baby boomers" set to retire in record numbers during the coming years, it is vital for our society that our younger members get involved, serve on the various committees and task forces, and be mentored in leadership development. I was one of those younger members 14 years ago (my, how time flies!!) and recall being asked to serve on a committee. I remember uttering the 4 words we love to hear from our volunteers, "I would be honored." As a current member of the WOCN Board of Directors, I continue to learn not only what it takes to be a successful leader but also how to identify and mentor potential leaders to follow in your footsteps. In Bernie Cullen's presentation "Mentorship: A Blueprint for the Future," she discusses the importance of creating a personal "board of directors."2 These people are unusually competent, respected in their field, and add value to the organization. They provide the mentee or potential leader with the opportunities and challenges that will enhance the individual's career satisfaction and personal fulfillment. It allows encouragement, guidance, and support in areas of interest while handling challenges in a nonthreatening and secure environment.
One of my favorite quotes addressing leadership comes from the industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, "No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it."3 A true leader serves the people and their best interests ahead of his or her own. So what defines a true leader? Much of what is published on leadership states that to be a good leader 2 issues need to be addressed: attract people whose talent and potential are greater than your own and develop the people you already have on your team. In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins tells us that a Level 5 leader, the best of the best, is often a blend of personal humility and professional will. The Level 5 leader is able to get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats-and then figure out where to drive it.4
It's been my experience as both a WOCN leader and in my clinical practice that teams/committees get off track because the wrong people are sitting in the wrong seats or the right people are sitting in the wrong seats. Much time is wasted as the teams/committees try to drive the bus before they figure out who is the driver and where they are going. Anyone can steer the bus, but it takes a leader to map out the trip and identify the detours, roadblocks, and even the speed bumps to reach their destination safely and in the time allotted.
Perhaps you are wondering if you too are able, willing, and available to become a leader in your nursing organization. You may want to consider the following in answering this question:
1. Are you able? Think about your areas of expertise and your personal and professional strengths. How can you contribute to the organization now? What roles would help you to develop your leadership potential? One leadership skill is the ability to deal with conflict-as a leader, it is important to realize that you may need to make difficult decisions and these decisions may result in conflict. If you know you are a "conflict avoider," you could begin to develop your leadership ability by taking classes in conflict resolution or selecting positions in which you could gain practice in effective conflict management.
2. Are you willing? Are you interested in becoming a leader? Are you ready to commit time and effort to your professional organization? Does the thought of taking on an important committee role or leadership position excite you and make you realize that you have a lot to contribute and that you can make a difference?
3. Are you available? Even if you are able and willing, you must consider whether this is a good time for you. As a volunteer and leader, you will need to balance your time between personal and professional responsibilities, and time management and organizational skills will be critical to your success. If you have just begun a challenging job or if this is an intense time for you in terms of family responsiblities, you may have to consider whether you have the time and energy to devote to this role.
If you find yourself saying "yes" to all 3 questions, some of the opportunities that await you include expanding your understanding and knowledge about your organization. You will learn about the roles and responsibilities of becoming a leader in your nursing organization. Networking and the development of support systems will play an integral part in your happiness and success as a leader. Close friends, colleagues, and mentors can provide help and support on your journey toward leadership. Most of all, be passionate, enthusiastic, and committed, and remember to have fun along the way.
In closing, I want to share with you a quote from my favorite TV show, The West Wing: "Decisions are made by those who show up." Are you able, willing, and available to be a leader who helps the WOCN Society set the standard and guide the delivery of care for all wound, ostomy, and continence patients?
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