The last 2 decades have witnessed an explosion of interest in organizational leadership development, resulting in many new theories and methodologies. Supplementing didactic learning with job-related experiences to improve leadership performance is a method gaining wide and enthusiastic acceptance. Dissecting and examining real-life job assignments allow leaders to truly integrate a set of experiences. Another effective method is examining a leader's emotional resonance and impact on others.
The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) has developed competencies tailored to the nurse leader's position in the organization, manager or executive. Five overall leadership domains are cited by AONE-communication and relationship building, knowledge of the healthcare environment, leadership, professionalism, and business skills-with each one having specific competencies. For example, communication and relationship building involve skills such as effective communication, influencing behaviors, ability to work with diversity, community involvement, and relationship management. Each domain has its own distinct nuances; it's up to you to decide what strategies work best for you and your team.
Develop your own style
Learning about your own unique style of leadership is critical so that you can build on strengths and work on weaknesses. Having insight and emotional intelligence, using leadership style assessment tools, and being open to feedback from colleagues and peers are all important. Many tools are available, some calling for a self-assessment comparing how your colleagues rated you on the same measures. This is when and where the real learning occurs.
For example, you may rate yourself pretty high on your ability to listen well to others. Your colleagues may rate you much lower. This difference tells you it's an area where you need to develop additional skills. Give others permission to critique you, and directly ask them how you're doing as you continue to work on that skill.
Key lessons learned that may assist you in your professional development include:
* [white diamond suit] self-awareness. It's important to know your strengths and weaknesses, as you need to accept responsibility for your actions and choices. The leadership you display and the decisions you make contribute to your success. For example, if you get anxious or angry, others may hesitate to bring issues forward to you. Remember, you are what you choose to be.
* [white diamond suit] effective communication. Genuinely seek to understand what others are saying. Learn to inquire and listen carefully. Being able to maintain your composure, even in difficult situations, is essential.
* [white diamond suit] influence of behaviors. Your assumptions will affect your responses to other people and situations. Your responses, in turn, will influence how others react to you. For example, if you assume your team will be able to achieve a challenging goal, they'll be more likely to achieve that goal. The opposite is also true. If you say things like "We'll never be able to do this," or "If only that other department would do its work correctly," you'll likely cause negative reactions from others. An anonymous quote is apropos: "The most important conversation you'll ever have is the one you have with yourself."
* [white diamond suit] giving and earning respect. Remember, other people's needs, hopes, dreams, and ideas are just as important and valuable as your own. Respect can be earned from coworkers by avoiding gossip, sarcasm, maintaining emotional control, and appreciating everyone on your team.
* [white diamond suit] passionate performance. Demonstrating a strong, sustained intellectual and emotional engagement to your work is critical. Feeling enthusiastic about the work you do will lead to a higher level of performance and better outcomes.
* [white diamond suit] lifelong learning. To succeed in achieving your career goals, you'll need to be committed to continuous learning. Additional training, reading, and seeking advice from knowledgeable coworkers are examples of methods that can be used.
* [white diamond suit] balancing personal life and work. Self-care is essential. Learn to manage stress in healthful ways, such as exercise, hobbies, relaxation modalities, and having fun. Make sure to take time to be with family and friends. Apply to yourself the self-care advice you give to others.
* [white diamond suit] recognition. Expressing sincere appreciation of others for their contributions assists in building relationships and teamwork. Appreciation should be individualized to ensure that it's meaningful. To acknowledge the difference someone has made with others, you can send a personal thank-you letter, movie tickets, or gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, or make some sort of public recognition.
Nursing management and executive leadership styles have a strong ripple effect. In the worst case, they can be repressive. But in the best case, they can result in tremendous personal actualization, a nursing staff that's empowered and renowned, and an organization that lives a mission to better the health of a community.