Six Ways to Stand Out as a Leader on Your Nursing Team
On every team, regardless of industry, there is always one individual who stands out as a leader. As a nurse, you have many opportunities to be recognized as a leader. Stepping out of your place as one of the many and into your role as a leader is your choice. From understanding leadership to continuing your education, the way you choose to stand out is up to you.
Understanding Leadership in General
True leaders inspire their teams to work cohesively and passionately toward a common goal. Managers without leadership qualities are simply organizing and delegating. The reward of being a nurse with a firm understanding of leadership far outweighs that of the alternative.
John Gardener, the authority on leadership and published author, believes that there are nine tasks that separate the leaders from the managers. He includes envisioning goals, affirming values, and energizing the core beliefs of your group, in addition to motivating your team toward shared successes. Mastering the fundamentals of leadership and applying them to your current position, be it as a team member or manager will motivate and inspire those around you.
Master Interpersonal Communication
The Iowa Hospital Association recognizes 100 Great Nurses each year for outstanding on-the-job performance. In 2012 the organization profiled a 50-year veteran and leader in nursing, Gail Meyer. Her story is one of courage, communication, and advocacy for health care. One of the standout qualities Gail possesses is her keen ability to communicate with her colleagues. Mastering the ability to communicate with diverse groups of individuals will indeed set you apart from the pack especially in situations when conflict arises.
Take Action
Being a leader on your team requires that you courageously take on challenges that arise. The ability to be the voice of reason in a tense moment could save a patient’s life and help to build morale among your group. Keeping a cool head shows your supervisors that you are a vital asset to their team. Exhibiting qualities like grace under pressure, encouragement of your coworkers and exemplary patient care get you noticed.
Advocacy is Inspiring
Inspiring those around you can be one of the best ways to exhibit your leadership abilities. A great way to encourage your team to follow your example is to get involved in the issues that impact nurses and patients. You can choose to become involved at the local, state, and federal levels of government. You can work with nonprofit organizations on a volunteer basis to create awareness and prevention programs. Bella Online lists 13 different ways in which you can become politically active as a nurse. Your ability to advocate will elevate your level of exposure on your team as well as within your industry.
Get Ahead of the Curve: Industry Focus on Leadership
As reported by Connie Mullinix, PhD, MBA, MPH, RN teaching leadership is critical. In Bold Moves, Outside-the-Box Thinking to Promote Nurse Leadership in North Carolina, she reports that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) is recommending leadership as a curriculum for nurses. She reviews the ways in which the North Carolina Action Coalition is moving toward preparing nurses to serve on boards, take executive-level positions, and excel as leaders in their communities.
Become A Fellow: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Other Fellowship Programs
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation selects 20 exceptionally qualified nurses to participate in their Executive Nurse Fellow (ENF) program every year. Nurses currently working at the executive level will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, leadership abilities and work to redefine health care. The program includes training in best practices, executive leadership and mentoring, as well as team-based action learning. There are other fellowship programs around the country that focus on various aspects of the nursing field. Check with your university to learn what program may be best for you.