We have learned some valuable essences about leadership, through the eyes of Northouse. We have seen how the values and definition of leadership has changed over the years. One thing that has never changed is the leadership skill set of being a nurse. Leadership is a highly sought after and valued commodity, so valued in fact that we trust the hands of a nurse to care for our loved ones in their time of need. In the article Attaining a Seat at the Table: Process, Preparation and Potential Kimberly Harper explains just why we are so inclined to leave our loved ones in the hands of a stranger. Nurses are valuable members of society equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to get things accomplished, motivate individuals, and engage diverse voices in efforts to design the best solutions for a variety of challenges. Nurses are equipped with key attributes, such as a broad spectrum of credibility, awareness of community needs, and the ability to identify and solve problems, to attain a seat at the table. (Harper,2019) I say pull up a chair and let’s talk to the nurses who provide care and leadership daily and see what makes them so successful. The profession has never gone out of style so to speak and both male and female nurses see the positivity and success that each nurse brings to each patient they care for. Nurses of different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnic diversities and political backgrounds all have the same goal in mind. That is “you matter”, I think that this is a very positive attitude to have in leadership, each person is valuable, and the different people make an organization whole. Nurses may as unfamiliar with the general roles, responsibilities, structure and legal compliance as the leaders of the corporation as unfamiliar with what the nurse’s roles are and how they facilitate leadership within the community daily. Communication is the key to success.
Northouse has talked about different styles of leadership, but we have not discussed communication to a great degree, communication has obviously taken place because we can see the differences in leadership styles throughout the years. We have seen to some degree what has failed and what has succeeded. What we need to focus on is that different types of organizations need different leadership styles. We will have to further examine Trait versus Process, Assigned Versus Emergent, Leadership and Power, Leadership and Coercion. (Northhouse,2016)
When we look at the data base of the PSU Library, we can see that many different articles are available. If you look through them, you get the sense that many people have different ideas of what leadership means to them and the company that they work for. What you can take away from examining the data base, is that although many styles and results of styles are discussed one thing stays constant that the attributes of a nurse are always in demand and have led to many success stories. Conceptualizing leadership through nurses might be the new leadership theory in the 2020’s.
References:
Harper, K. J., & Wray, R. (2019). Attaining a seat at the table: Process, preparation, and potential. Nursing Economics, 37(6), 324-327. Retrieved from http://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/docview/2328560736?accountid=13158
https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2040131/modules/items/28431241
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. 7th Edition. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
jav40 says
Having spent four years working in a hospital, I was always amazed by the variety of people and the breadth of personalities amongst nurses – people from all walks of life with different reasons for being there, yet each one dedicated to helping others and delivering excellence. While I agree with you that communication is key, I think the Five Factor Model encompasses what it means to be a nurse. Take conscientiousness for example: if nurses weren’t hard working and dependable, then hospitals wouldn’t be effective and people would suffer. If they weren’t agreeable, then they wouldn’t have that empathy and cooperative mind-set. Being neurotic, despite its negative connotations, allows for nurses to be emotionally stable and calm in times of crisis, which is imperative for their line of work. Nurses often work in life or death circumstances, which requires quick thinking and the administration of complex medications. In order for them to perform their duties, they must receive training which requires = being open to experience and having a strong and curious intellect. If nursing were an easy occupation, there would not be a shortage in the United States. On top of all these traits, nurses need to have a degree of extraversion so they can instill confidence in their patients and be decisive (PSW, 2020).
I really liked that you think of nurses when you think of leadership. Quite often, doctors are considered the leaders and nurses, the minions. It is refreshing to hear that you see the strength and importance of their role in society. Likewise, stereotypical images of the military create associations with leadership, while government work/civil service is often overlooked and underappreciated. People really need an increase in awareness of the responsibilities and dedication of these types of roles to better understand how true leaders lead – and contribute to society on a daily basis.
Reference
Pennsylvania State University World Campus (2020). PSYCH 485 Lesson 2: Trait Approach. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2045005/modules/items/28166532
Kimberly says
I think your blog post is very heartfelt and I agree, nursing is a very special calling. I hesitate to label all nurses as leaders though. Based on my own experiences, nursing leadership can very person to person and I think that’s why this week’s lesson was so important. Leadership traits are very personal and, while someone can be taught the organizational structure or law of their organization, many people do not have the ability to step up to the plate in a leadership role when it comes to personal interaction. For instance, I’ve dealt with many nurses who are extremely abrupt and have horrible bedside manner. Our lesson would suggest that they may have a shadow self who has dealt with too many angry patients and they choose not to invite discussion or personality into their day to day interactions with patients.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus (2020). PSYCH 281 Lesson 3: Introduction to Psychodynamic Approach. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2040131/modules/items/28001681