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Andrea Raines and Karen Hardin
Introduction
Leadership Styles
Course Outcome
Leadership Qualities & Behaviors
| Integrity | Think critically |
| Courage | Solve problems |
| Initiative | Respect person |
| Energy | Listen |
| Optimism | Communication Skills |
| Perseverance | Set goals |
| Balance | Envision future |
| Ability to handle stress | Develop oneself |
| Self-awareness | Coach others |
| Influence |
A Leader must use many different interpersonal skills to communicate a vision and influence others to commit to the team goals. Having the capacity to earn and hold trust is a characteristic of leadership earned through authentic and accountable actions. A level of enthusiasm, energy, and commitment allow the leader to communicate a vision which may often inspire those around to commit to the team and achieve goals. Because of this level of influence, the nurse leader should be aware of their personal attitudes reflected in the work of others around them. Depending on the situation or task, the leader may need to utilize multiple leadership styles (Frandsen, 2014).Gender Differences and Leadership: Males and females use different styles. Women tend to adopt a more democratic or participative style unless in a male-dominated job. Because nursing is a traditionally feminine-dominated profession, we typically see female nurses in leadership positions. Women historically have practiced with a transformational style of leadership. Multiple research studies by Carless, Ross, Offerman, Eagly, Loganathan, & Krishnan (as cited by Apore & Asamoah, 2019) support this fact. Historically men have used a more transactional leadership style.
1C–46 air evacuation during World War II from Manila, Philippine Islands. Patients in bunks in a plane. Nurse in uniform standing near bunks. Soldier writing at a desk Manila, Philippine Islands. Original image from National Museum of Health and Medicine. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel https://www.rawpixel.com/image/2298594/f 1
Types of Leadership Styles
Leadership may be formal or informal. Formal leadership is practiced by nurses with legitimate authority such as a manager, supervisor, or coordinator. Informal leadership is exercised by a nurse or staff member who does not have a specified management role. An example of informal leadership might be an Advanced Practicing Registered Nurse, and Education Specialist, or a nurse in the area of Quality Improvement.
- The autocratic leadership style is based on centralized decision making. This leader will make decisions and expect obedience from subordinates.
- The democratic leadership style allows for shared authority. The leader will allow others to participate in decision making.
- The Laissez-faire leadership style defers all decision making to those functioning as followers.
- Transactional Leadership- system based on rewards to motivate followers
- Transformational Leadership- a balanced style of leader using encouragement to achieve organizational goals. It use