The Power of a Leadership Philosophy

Abstract

Over the past 27 years as a nurse and nurse leader, I have reflected many times on the importance of nursing leadership. Nursing leadership creates a safe workplace environment where nurses can be and perform at their best to provide for an excellent patient experience of care. I have been blessed with great mentors along my journey as a nursing leader. I have been faced with significant challenges as a nurse leader as well. It is through these relationships and challenges that I have gained knowledge and experiences as a nurse and nurse leader that have shaped my leadership philosophy, guiding how I choose to respond to people and situations. Here is my leadership philosophy: 1I believe that being a leader carries the responsibility of being a positive example in the workplace. To accomplish this, it is important for me to be accessible, approachable, and highly visible with our people and to lead at every interaction. I schedule time each day to complete Leadership Rounds to our people and patients. 2I believe leaders have the responsibility to Inspire A Shared Vision, recognizing the current state and our future related to the mission, vision, core values, and the key priorities of our hospital. 3I believe in Professional Governance where staff are empowered to challenge our current policies, procedures, and practices, making important decisions to improve the workplace environment and the patient's experience of care. None of us are as smart as all of us. 4I believe in Our People First. I have the responsibility to reward, recognize, and celebrate the contributions of individuals and teams. I believe our people will perform at their best depending on the tools they have. As leaders, we have to assure our people are well cared for and have the tools they need. People work for people, not organizations. 5I believe in Safety Above All with our patients, visitors, and each other. To accomplish this, it is important that I am approachable. People need to feel comfortable and safe reporting unsafe practices. 6I believe in Our Mission Always. I use our mission to guide the actions and decision-making of our teams. 7I believe in a Culture of Ownership. In the spirit of “proceed until apprehended,” I encourage people to be creative and innovative and to exceed the basis of their roles and responsibilities. I do not tolerate a lack of ownership, indecision, or being unprepared. 8I believe in Lifelong Learning. I take complete responsibility for my own growth and development by staying involved in professional organizations, maintaining appropriate certifications, and reading pertinent material to stay ahead of impending changes to the healthcare environment. 9I believe Communication is Key! I believe in open, honest, and ethical communication and being completely transparent. I will be upfront, above board, and direct with courtesy, professionalism, and mutual respect. I do not tolerate open hostility, anger, and failure to treat people with courtesy and respect. 10I believe in Excellence. I have the responsibility of working with our teams to establish SMART goals for measuring progress (not perfection) toward our key priorities. I believe results are very important. 11I believe in Interprofessional Collaboration. I have the responsibility to ensure we have adequate representation in an environment of inclusivity to accomplish our shared vision and goals. 12I believe the most important role of a leader is in Relationship Management. A leader's circle of influence is more important than authority or control. Leadership is about discipline and intelligence, not about who has the heavier hand.