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chapter 1 | Leadership and Followership 9 CikguOnline
handle stress, and self-awareness are some of the endeavors that require effort. It is also important
qualities of effective leaders in nursing (Fig. 1.1): that the energy be used wisely.
■ Optimism. When the work is difficult and one
■ Integrity. Integrity is expected of health-care
crisis seems to follow another in rapid succession,
professionals. Clients, colleagues, and employers
it is easy to become discouraged. It is important
all expect nurses to be honest, law-abiding, and
not to let discouragement keep you and your
trustworthy. Adherence to both a code of per-
coworkers from seeking ways to resolve the prob-
sonal ethics and a code of professional ethics
lems. In fact, the ability to see a problem as an
(Appendix 1, American Nurses Association
opportunity is part of the optimism that makes a
Code for Nurses) is expected of every nurse.
person an effective leader. Like energy, optimism
Would-be leaders who do not exhibit these
is “catching.” Holman (1995) called this being a
characteristics cannot expect them of their
winner instead of a whiner (Table 1-3).
followers. This is an essential component of
■ Perseverance. Effective leaders do not give up
moral leadership.
easily. Instead, they persist, continuing their
■ Courage. Sometimes, being a leader means
efforts when others are tempted to stop trying.
taking some risks. In the story of Billie Blair
This persistence often pays off.
Thomas, for example, Billie needed some
■ Balance. In the effort to become the best nurses
courage to speak to her nurse manager about a
they can be, people may forget that other aspects
problem she had observed.
of life are equally important. As important as
■ Attitude. A good attitude goes a long way in
clients and colleagues are, family and friends are
making a good leader. In fact, many outstanding
important, too. Although school and work are
leaders cite attitude as the single greatest reason
meaningful activities, cultural, social, recreational,
for not hiring someone (Maxwell, 1993, p. 98).
and spiritual activities also have meaning. People
A leader’s attitude is noticed by the followers
need to find a balance between work and play.
more quickly than are the actions.
■ Ability to handle stress. There is some stress in
■ Initiative. Good ideas are not enough. To be a
almost every job. Coping with stress in as posi-
leader, you must act on those good ideas. This
tive and healthy a manner as possible helps to
requires initiative on your part.
conserve energy and can be a model for others.
■ Energy. Leadership requires energy. Both lead-
Maintaining balance and handling stress are
ership and followership are hard but satisfying
reviewed in Chapter 10.
■ Self-awareness. How is your emotional intelli-
gence? People who do not understand them-
selves are limited in their ability to understand
Qualities the motivations of others. They are far more
likely to fool themselves than are self-aware peo-
Integrity Perseverance
ple. For example, it is much easier to be fair with
Courage Balance
a coworker you like than with one you do not
Initiative Ability to
handle stress
Energy
Self-awareness
Optimism table 1-3
Winner or Whiner—Which Are You?
Behaviors A winner says: A whiner says:
“We have a real “This is really a problem.”
challenge here.”
Think critically Set goals, share “I’ll give it my best.” “Do I have to?”
vision
Solve problems “That’s great!” “That’s nice, I guess.”
Develop self and
Communicate “We can do it!” “That will never succeed.”
skillfully others
“Yes!” “Maybe....”
Adapted from Holman, L. (1995). Eleven Lessons in Self-leadership:
Insights for Personal and Professional Success. Lexington, Ky.: A Lessons
Figure 1.1 Keys to effective leadership. in Leadership Book.