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Trot and Kim Windsor, the article states, for the present and he future of healthcare, having the talent to lead is crucial to the success of the organizations (Trot & Windsor, 1999). Basic leadership styles include authoritarian which is when the leader takes full control; democratic is when the leader involves a team approach; and laissez-fairer where the leader provides little to no direction (Hood, 2010). Another form of leadership is transformational. Transformational leadership is defined as, “one who inspires and empowers everyone with the vision of what could be possible” (Hood 201 0, p. 60). The paramount leader is one who makes adjustments as needed in order to achieve he best possible outcomes for all involved parties in a range of dynamic Leadership Styles situations. When thinking of leadership styles one thing to consider is what defines a good leader. Hood (2010) suggests that an effective leader influences and encourages others to achieve goal setting and goal attainment. A good leader recognizes that there is always something new to learn. Effective leaders set direction, build commitment and confront challenges through clear communication and soliciting staff feedback.
Authoritarian leaders remain in control, they are task oriented, and are effective in crisis conditions. An authoritarian leader makes decisions and addresses all problems single- handedly. This type of leadership style is not as successful and will have a difficult time motivating staff and developing a team approach. Democratic leaders are incredibly successful in the work place. Democratic leaders accentuate on effective group functioning by allowing communication to be open and heard. A democratic leader acts primarily as a facilitator and resource person and shows concern for each team member.
This type of leadership includes shared governance and is flexible in adapting to the ever changing roles f a nurse and the healthcare environment. On the other end of the spectrum of leadership is laissez-fairer which is a leader who is permissive and provides little direction. Decision making is solely up to the team with minimal guidance, support, or feedback from the leader. This type of leadership is effective usually if the staff is highly self motivated and displays strong autonomy skills. In today’s diverse healthcare settings, this leadership style is unproductive. Clangor & Chewer, 2009). “Clinical environments that are task-orientated and do not encourage continual reflection and feedback about their practice from their staff re inconsistent” (Henderson & Winch, 2008 p. 95). Transformational leaders (TV) tend to have the most successful outcomes. Studies have shown that the staff nurses prefers the transformational leadership approach and that it alleviates job stresses (Trot & Windsor, 1999). This type of leader is extremely motivational, acquires trust from others and produces dedication from the employees.
TFH leaders customize a combination of styles based on the current circumstances. This type of leadership focuses on the needs of the team and tasks to be accomplished. Transformational leadership benefits both the organization and Taft goals. Applying leadership in the nursing practice Effective leaders, both transformational and democratic, have the superior characteristics that are implemented on a daily basis to meet the standards of practice. Leadership characteristics include decision-making, priority setting, organizational skills, time management, resources and an ongoing evaluation process.
Professional nurses depend on quality leadership skills in order to meet the expected requirements of evidenced based practice and nursing standards in the workplace (Henderson & Winch, 2008). Standards of professional practice fleet the values and priorities and provide direction for professional nursing practice and serves as a foundation for the evaluation of this practice. Nursing leaders are involved in direct patient care and continuously improve care by influencing others.
Nurses instinctively adopt the role of a leader in their daily practice in a team approach with various healthcare professionals (Clangor & Chewer, 2009). In addition, good leadership is consistent, top-quality performance beneficial to all involved parties. Professional nurse leaders are effective communicators, critical thinkers, risk takers, and a role model to the am. Applying leadership is not controlling employees and/or the environment, but it is assisting others to plan and control their activities and meet the established common goals set forth.
Benefits of Transformational leadership in the nursing practice Working as or for a Transformational Leader can be a wonderful and uplifting experience. This type of leader strives on putting passion and energy into everything. They care about the success of the organization and staff. Any leader is accountable for the challenges dealt to them in the work place. A chosen leadership style and self-assessment is what determines the exults. “Leadership practices of healthcare can positively or negatively influence outcomes for organizations, providers and, ultimately the patients” (Cummings, et al. 2008, abstract). Utilizing the traits and characteristics of transformational leadership manpower others to pursue personal and organizational goals, which in turn, will result in followers. Transformational leaders lead by example making continuous efforts to motivate their followers. Staff tend to follow the leadership of one who can motivate and inspire them to perform above and beyond their baseline. Cummings, et mentioned “when a staff nurse had less contact with the leader, effectiveness decreased due to removing the influence of social emotional leadership.
Nurses reported that greater self-efficacy in leadership behaviors when given the opportunity to observe, model and practice leadership. ” (Cummings, et al. , 2008, p. 244) Transformational leadership meets the needs of followers and therefore should be implemented in the professional practice. One cannot be a leader without a follower. For a staff member to choose to follow, one must feel that they are endeavoring to do meeting that is meaningful and significant in achieving a common goal. The transformational leader is successful by applying interchangeable role-playing between the followers and leader.
In this type of role-playing, the leader tries to stand back and understand the follower’s point of view, while the follower’s give the leader their thoughts on leadership effectiveness. (Cummings,et al. , 2008). Conclusion Many people display natural leadership qualities; however, they can be learned. Important leadership skills to learn include clinical care coordination, team communication, proper delegation skills, and knowledge building. Learning and understanding leadership styles and roles will maximize every nurse’s performance in virtually any healthcare setting.
A good leader, such as transformational and democratic leaders, recognizes that there is always something new to learn. Sound critical thinking skills, empowerment, acceptance of the ever-changing healthcare system and open involvement from the staff are critical tools required in an effective leader.