There are many areas in your life where you can be a leader. This includes your work setting, civic organizations, or professional associations. One possesses an extraordinary quality of spirit when called to lead. We are all born with some innate talent that many times are disguised as other qualities but are, in fact, based in leadership.
The essence of leadership is influence-touching hearts, minds, and souls.
While much has changed since the time of Florence Nightingale, the original qualities exemplifying great nurse leadership have not.
Leadership does not simply happen. It can be taught, learned, and developed. Many people can influence you and your career. There are also many ways, big and small, to lead.
Go the Extra Mile
A leader is someone who goes the extra mile, going beyond what is expected.
What are those behaviors that demonstrate a leader goes the extra mile?
* They seem to always be a step ahead.
* They have a reliable and consistent reputation.
* They possess an internal drive; a passion to do more.
* They are the "go-to" person when the boss wants something done.
* They are resilient to obstacles in their path.
* They have a positive attitude, but this doesn't mean that they agree with all decisions.
* They are quick to pick up additional responsibilities
According to research by the Corporate Leadership Council, for example, emotional commitment has by far the greatest impact on people's willingness to go the extra mile, rather than the more logical rational reasons.
Emotional Awareness
Leaders who are the masters of their emotions possess a degree of detachment, yet they care about others. Emotions can interfere with the job, and most leaders are particularly adept at preventing their emotions from entering into their decision making.
Most successful leaders are able to quickly discern reliable facts from all information presented and separate that information into the most important and less unimportant.
As Daniel Goleman outlines in his book on Emotional Intelligence (EI), EI is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and to recognize and influence others' emotions, which is a critical leadership skill. He explains that emotions are a natural part of us, and EI can be improved.
Displaying EI in our interactions and communication with others is a vital characteristic of a good leader. Goleman describes the practice as not just being diplomatic and polite; it's about accepting and understanding a different point of view first so that connection occurs along with communication.
Keep Learning
Improving your leadership qualities cannot be achieved overnight as good things always take time. Look for leadership programs for professional development. As you work toward developing some of these leadership qualities, don't forget to look to your coworkers for feedback and inspiration. Pay attention to the things that have been effective in the past and always be on the lookout for new ways to inspire, motivate, and reward team members.
Be a Good Listener
Listening skills aren't easy for many, especially during a global pandemic when we're stressed and distracted. The art of communication is more than just saying the right words; it requires listening and paying attention. Learning to be an excellent listener also requires learning and practice, as most of us aren't born with it. Every relationship you have needs communication to survive, and that takes work.
Listening, done well, is an act of empathy. You are trying to see the world through another person's eyes and to understand their emotions. That's not going to happen if you are thinking of your response while the other person talks.
Make sure to minimize distractions from your phone, computer monitor, and other screens. If needed, turn your chair to position yourself best. Try to focus fully on the other person, pushing away the thoughts about the next meeting or a looming deadline. If you are unable to concentrate, communicate that you need to talk at a different time because you want to be fully present in your conversation.
Become a Leader Within NAON
Leadership is a professional obligation. Orthopaedic nursing needs your voice, expertise, and input. Want to get involved with NAON, but not sure where to start?
Learn more about each of the committees and task forces. The AIM Committee (Acquiring Interested Members Committee) strives to match the skills of interested members with volunteer positions within the organization. To learn more, look on the NAON website.
Go to:
* http://www.orthonurse.org
* Look under "About" and click on Committees and task force.
* Once you've found the committee(s) you'd like to join, fill out a Willingness to Serve form.
Help Fund Scholarships for Learning
As the NAON Foundation, we lead by funding scholarships for orthopaedic nurses.
As a nurse leader, we need your support to continue these scholarships.
Please donate today and support nursing scholarships.
Go to:
* ***NAONFoundation.org
* Look under "Donate" and "Donate Now."
As an orthopaedic nurse, YOU make a difference in every patient and family with whom you come into contact. Let's all challenge ourselves to move forward where we "Dare to Lead," following "the theme of the 2022 NAON Congress.
The NAON Foundation Board