Leadership and Followership

Leadership entails gaining the control of a situation. A good leader must be capable of coordinating and directing the efforts of others. It is through exhibiting the qualities that one needs to achieve the overall objectives of an organization. In the case of a hospital environment, a good leader must be able to orient and oversee their subordinates for appropriate workflow. As a democratic leader, I will allow the new nurses to make independent evaluations and decisions. However, at all times, I must ensure that the decisions arrived at reflect the philosophy and objectives of the institution. Owing to my experience in the business, at the start, the new recruits will follow my instructions and be supportive of my ideas. As they progress, I will encourage participatory leadership where emerging issues are sufficiently deliberated on before a final binding resolution is made. Leadership rests on pillars of communication, well set goals, and leading by example.

A good leader must inspire confidence in their followers and mold them to become competent employees. New employees often follow the directives of their superiors and look up to them as models. The new nurses will most likely copy my attributes and seek to replicate them in their professional engagement. Accordingly, I must show integrity, energy, and optimism. Nursing is a hallowed profession. Professionals in this vocation sometimes strain a lot due to the pressures of work. Unless one is prepared psychologically, they will not be able to undertake their roles effectively. A constant burst of energy is required to deal with situations that are depressing or emotionally exhausting. A high level of optimism is needed, not only to stimulate good performance but also to encourage patients to have hope. Orthopedic patients should e encouraged to overcome the trauma of their physical incapacitation.

At all times, I must show the key behaviors of an efficient leader. An effective leader must be focused and visionary. From the onset, I should be able to project a good image and envision where I want my subordinates to be at the end of the training program. It is expected that at the end of the training period, the new recruits must be able to competently handle all cases brought before them and offer interpersonal support to the patients. On that note, I will set goals for the new nurses, which they must strive to achieve at the end of the training period. Such goals must be realistic, achievable, and smart. I will do a continuous evaluation of the nurses and advise them on how to refine their talents and core competencies.

Communication is essential in building an effective team. As the leader, I will be in constant contact with my juniors during and after their attachment. Ideas must be relayed in an efficient way that encourages participation, critique, or evaluation. The ideals of democratic governance will be incorporated in the communication strategy. Besides, I will be open to receive feedback from my subordinates on the effectiveness of my leadership skills. I will be improving my leadership skills as I strive to strengthen my juniors. I must respect the opinions of the new professionals, much as I expect them to respect mine. Instances that require compromise will be keenly evaluated to avoid making any regrettable mistakes. A goal-oriented and problem-solving approach to leadership will be ideal since the principal objective of the training is to develop a motivated, effective team of nurses.