Impact of Leadership Style
Shortly after plans were underway for cross campus calls, a staff nurse from one campus approached me and stated, “you are the right person to make this happen." I reflected on this statement and how it related to my leadership style. Open communication, equity, positivity, and the ability to confront and handle conflict are attributes central to my core beliefs as a leader.
I enjoy rewarding staff for a job well done, whether it is a thank-you note, gift card or a simple pat on the back. Research has consistently pointed out the importance of interpersonal skills to effective leadership. Literature agrees that individuals go beyond when they trust their leader. They also function better when their leader consistently demonstrates optimism (MacPhee, 2007, Northouse, 2009).
A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others [and] does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of [his/her] actions and the integrity of [his/her] intent (Jackson, Clements, Averill & Zimbro, 2009, p. 152).
The Outcome
The start date of March 7, 2011, came and went. For three weeks apprehension grew as the new process was yet to be tested. Then in one weekend, three different teams were called in for urgent cases. The cases went exceedingly well. Staff realized they could in fact count on their “new" peers to effectively function and support each other during an emergent endoscopic case.
Lewin’s third and final phase of successful change is that of “re-freezing." As the year anniversary looms, the change has been stabilized and assimilated (Roussel, 2013). I have worked to further standardize equipment and processes. Cross training continues, and the two nursing groups continue to solidify relationships. The financial gain has been marginal, yet the accomplished 24/7 nursing coverage, without financial impact, is immense in our current healthcare environment. The utmost gain has been that of a comprehensive service that promotes quality and safe care for our patients.
