Professional Leadership Attributes, Coursework Example

Introduction

Leadership skills are represented in individuals in different ways in order to set an example for others. Leaders possess unique characteristics that demonstrate their core strengths and abilities in this role. However, it is necessary to establish a greater understanding of the challenges that leaders face in these roles. For example, some leaders may be required to intervene regarding problems or concerns that impact their employees in different ways. This may require an assertive nature and an understanding of relationship dynamics so that conflicts are resolved in a timely manner and without severe difficulties. Assertiveness is one of the key principles that a leader must possess in order to achieve success in this role. The following discussion will address the role of an assertive leader and how this contributes to the advancement of nursing practice objectives and considerations in today’s difficult nursing environments.

Analysis

Nursing leaders must convey a number of critical attributes that provide support in achieving the desired objectives. These roles demonstrate the importance of specific competencies that may influence outcomes for leaders in a favorable manner. Nurse leader competencies must demonstrate the ability of the leader to be self-aware, proactive, assertive, and focused on the tasks at hand (Ovid). It is expected that nurse leaders who demonstrate these competencies will improve outcomes in the workplace setting and establish a smooth transition to the patient care setting (Ovid). These roles also support the continued engagement of individuals in practice settings that utilize their core strengths and improve upon weaknesses in order to resolve conflicts and address other concerns (Ovid).

Nurse leaders must also possess a commitment to excellence and a level of assertiveness that will support their growth within this role (Transcript). In this context, the Power Model is likely to be effective in supporting the needs of the nursing unit and in gaining much-needed support to address the issues that are most relevant to the organization (Transcript). With this perspective in mind, it is likely that nurse leaders who establish goals up front and then work with their staff on a collaborative basis to achieve these goals are likely to be successful in these objectives (Transcript). At the same time, an effective nurse leader must be assertive and understand why and how conflicts arise and to take charge of these situations before they become too difficult (Transcript). For example, assertiveness is represented in a number of situations, but it is perhaps most important to seek guidance and understanding of the different options that are required to resolve conflicts between staff members in a productive manner.

Nurse leaders must also utilize their authoritative strengths in order to resolve conflicts in an effective manner. However, there are many other attributes that nurse leaders must exhibit in order to achieve the desired results (Transcript). Leaders must demonstrate a strong degree of authenticity in these roles in order to gain trust and acceptance from employees (Kerfoot, 2006). In this context, nurse leaders should strive to be as personal yet professional as possible with their staff members because authenticity is critical in advancing trust and understanding (Kerfoot, 2006). These efforts also support the development of new perspectives and approaches that allow nurse leaders to personalize these roles and to shape the lives of other employees and patients in a positive manner (Kerfoot, 2006). Under these circumstances, nurse leaders must demonstrate a strong level of collaboration and support in order to encourage growth and change within the nursing environment and to also encourage mutual authenticity and support from staff members (Kerfoot, 2006).

From a theoretical perspective, nurse leaders must utilize practice-based approaches, policies, and collaborative efforts in order to accomplish the necessary objectives (Taylor, 2009). The ability of nurse leaders to fill many roles is an essential component of the process and is constantly evolving into new perspectives and challenges (Taylor, 2009). As a result, it is necessary to develop new strategies that will encourage positive outcomes and that will facilitate opportunities for growth and change in the workplace setting (Taylor, 2009). By using existing knowledge as a guide, it is necessary to establish an understanding of leadership theories in order to facilitate positive results that will promote greater continuity in the nursing unit and successful patient care (Taylor, 2009). Furthermore, the appropriate leadership skills will impart a greater understanding of the challenges of nursing practice and the provision of patient care in an environment that embraces change and quality of care (Taylor, 2009).

Conclusion

Nurse leaders must possess the ability to be effective communicators in the delivery of care and treatment to patients and in working with staff members. Assertiveness is essential to this process and supports the development of new perspectives to encourage positive results and patient outcomes. Nurse leaders must embody the spirit of nursing practice and have a positive impact on patient care and wellbeing in a variety of settings. In addition, they must serve as effective communicators of policies and procedures, but should also provide a personal touch to interactions with other nurses and patients. These interactions also support the resolution of conflicts and other considerations that may have a negative impact on nursing outcomes if they are not managed properly. It is essential to expand core strengths in order to accomplish the desired objectives and to support the success of nursing practice objectives over the long term.

References

Kerfoot, K. (2006). Authentic leadership. Nursing Economics, 24(2), 116-117.

Ovid. Developing nursing leaders: an overview of trends and programs. 1-6.

Taylor, R. (2009). Leadership theories and the development of nurses in primary health care. Primary Health Care, 19(9), 40-45.

Transcript: Capella University.