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Leadership is perhaps the single most important element in any successful business enterprise (Mills, 2005). And leadership doesn’t necessarily come solely from a formal position. Hence, the importance of thoughtful selection for all types of leadership roles, mindful onboarding, and an adequate appraisal of performance are essential for building a pipeline of intentionally prepared leaders.
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Leadership is in itself a specialty practice. The best leaders are those who can successfully weave their life and career experience with academic preparation into a transformational leadership style. What healthcare needs most is strong, visionary leadership to navigate the complexity of a rapidly changing industry.
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In addition, the next generation of leaders will need to perfect their soft skills by self-leadership: creativity, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, communication, team engagement, critical thinking for better problem-solving, and more—all in an effort to create a healthy organizational culture and sustainable work environments for those they lead.
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Practice Pearl
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” If ever in healthcare we needed someone to blaze a new trail—it’s now.
Action Step: Think of three ways you could improve your innovative leadership skills:
1. _____________________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________________
Leadership can come from any organizational position (informal versus formal).
Action Step: Using the following table, identify positive and negative leadership traits you have encountered in both formal and informal leaders.
Do you have any of the same traits when you are or have been placed in a leadership role?
Be a positive leadership influence on others—attitude and actions are everything.
Nursing and healthcare are service professions—be a good example to others.