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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.

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.

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.

image 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.

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    Ineffective Leader

    Ideal Leader

    Their team routinely suffers from burnout.

    Their team is considered a dream team of leaders.

    They lack emotional intelligence.

    They exhibit emotional intelligence.

    They don’t provide adequate direction.

    Their expectations are clear, and they are decisive when necessary.

    They find blame in everyone but themselves.

    They insist on a “no-blame culture.”

    They don’t provide honest feedback.

    They provide honest and candid feedback.

    They are blind to the current situation.

    They are aware of the current state of organizational affairs based on accurate data.

    They are self-serving.

    They exude an attitude of service.

    Do you have any of the same traits when you are or have been placed in a leadership role?

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    Positive

    Negative

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

Be a positive leadership influence on others—attitude and actions are everything.

Nursing and healthcare are service professions—be a good example to others.

  • Action Step: In the following space, list ways you are a positive role model not only in your work environment ...

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