Today's Primary Tenet Of Theories Is That Leaders Must Be Ro

Todays Primary Tenet Of Theories Is That Leaders Must Be Rooted In A

Today's primary tenet of theories is that leaders must be rooted in a system of ethics or fundamental principles that direct human behavior. There is no meaningful leadership, no matter how smart the plan or effective the activities, if they do not carry the trust or best interests of those they represent (Marshall & Broome, 2020). Strong leadership is essential for effectively guiding staff, especially in demanding fields like nursing. Key qualities include being a good role model, encouraging staff, honesty, ethical behavior, dedication, and strong communication skills. Among these, being a good role model and having excellent communication stood out the most to me.

In any profession, but particularly in nursing, having a positive role model is crucial. A good role model motivates individuals to achieve more, aim higher, and improve their own performance. Moreover, effective communication is vital in all relationships. Clear communication between managers and staff helps set expectations and goals, and it aids in resolving trust issues. It is equally important to communicate openly with leadership, sharing concerns and ideas to foster a transparent environment.

Throughout my career as a registered nurse (RN), I have been assigned to various roles and worked in diverse settings. This experience allowed me to observe effective leadership practices firsthand and identify qualities that contribute to a positive work environment. One leader who left a lasting impression on me was Michele, the Director of Nursing at a private surgery center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her ability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously—such as managing calls, preparing patients, assisting with surgeries, and discharging patients—demonstrated her competence and leadership skills.

Michele exemplified leadership by setting an excellent example and working diligently every day to promote teamwork. It is important to distinguish between authority and power in leadership. Leadership is fundamentally about influencing others and persuading them to work towards common goals, whether through formal authority or informal influence (Marshall & Broome, 2020). At the surgery center, our shared mission was to provide patients with a practical, satisfying surgical experience outside a hospital setting. Achieving this required collective effort, cooperation, and stepping up as needed.

Research indicates that employee proactivity is positively associated with transformational leadership behaviors, which are essential for fostering initiative and engagement among staff (Schmitt et al., 2016). Michele’s actions motivated her team to work proactively and assist one another, exemplifying transformational leadership qualities. Her communication style was straightforward and transparent, always setting clear expectations for her staff and the organization. This clarity helped ensure everyone understood their roles and responsibilities, fostering a cohesive and motivated team environment.

In conclusion, effective leadership in nursing and healthcare relies on a foundation built on ethical principles, strong communication, and exemplary role modeling. Leaders like Michele demonstrate that influencing others through positive behaviors and clear communication can significantly impact team engagement and patient outcomes. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, emphasizing transformational leadership qualities that promote trust, motivation, and collaboration remains vital for success in nursing leadership.

References

• Broome, M., & Marshall, E. S. (2020). Transformational Leadership in Nursing: From Expert Clinician to Influential Leader (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
• Lu, Q., Liu, Y., & Huang, X. (2020). Follower dependence, independence, or interdependence: A Multi-focus framework to unpack the mystery of transformational leadership effects. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124553
• Schmitt, A., Den Hartog, D. N., & Belschak, F. D. (2016). Transformational leadership and proactive work behavior: A moderated mediation model including work engagement and job strain. Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology, 89(3), 588–610. https://doi.org/10.1111/joop.12116
• Marshall, E., & Broome, M. (2020). Transformational Leadership in Nursing: From Expert Clinician to Influential Leader. Springer Publishing Company.
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• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.). Sage Publications.
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