Are You A Good Leader?

[TrudyRN]

I've decided that I am not. I hate having to direct or request anything of anyone. I'd so much rather just do it myself than have to face guff or crabbing or whining. On my job, I usually am able to do everything I need done and when I can't the aides do as I ask. I think they like me, as they don't usually whine too much or ever refuse. But I feel uncomfortable asking anything of them. Oh, woe is me.

[jill48, ASN, RN]

Yes, I do believe I'm a good leader. I'm a type A personality. Once all the work is done, and done correctly, then we can all sit back a little and have a bit of fun. I can delegate well and I'm quite assertive when I need to be. I don't have a problem writing anyone up when it's needed, or telling anyone to leave and don't come back. Everyone knows what their job is, but they also know to help others. I may sound like a harda%$, but I'm really not. I actively listen to any gripes and come up with fair solutions. Plus, I don't leave until everyone is done... and sometimes that means staying late to help a CNA finish her stuff. I'm sorry you are having trouble. You have it within you to be a good leader, you just need to find it. What you need to remember (when delegating and coming down on people when necessary) is every decision you make is for the safety of every patient on that floor. Don't give up. You can do this.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am good at self-leadership, meaning that I am not a follower.

However, I am not an ideal leader, because I have difficulty giving orders and directives to grown people. My philosophy on life is "Live and let live." I will give directives to my CNAs, but it is always with dignity. I never talk down to them. Furthermore, I would never accept a management position, because I would never be able to counsel my subordinates or 'discipline' them.

[Debra ACRN]

I am a great leader. I am fierce about protecting my nurses and have their loyalty. Personally, I hate to sit around and wait for someone to figure out what to do. So I always end up assigning tasks. I personally like clear direction and so I am always very clear about what I want done and what I expect. I expect negotiation. If someone wants to do something other then what I ask, I expect them to tell me and we work it out on the spot, I do not like to be blown off. I don't put up with whining, it is unprofessional and annoying............suck it up and get it done.

I don't find a need to write people up much. I figure if something goes wrong it a system issue, so we look at where the process broke down and try to fix it. I insist on accountabiltity and hope that any mistakes are immediatly discussed and corrected. We all make mistakes, the problem comes when we don't own it and make it right.

[leosrain, BSN, RN]

I've decided that I am not. I hate having to direct or request anything of anyone. I'd so much rather just do it myself than have to face guff or crabbing or whining. On my job, I usually am able to do everything I need done and when I can't the aides do as I ask. I think they like me, as they don't usually whine too much or ever refuse. But I feel uncomfortable asking anything of them. Oh, woe is me.

What you're describing is managment...leadership is a whole other skill/talent.

Sean

[jenni82104]

I agree. Management and leadership are two different things.

[cappuccino]

I make it clear to the ancillary staff that I am a team player. Also, I think it's all in the approach when you are asking someone to do something. I know alot of nurses who bark orders constantly and end up complaining that the aids "do nothing" on the floor. I don't have that problem because I ask them politely"Can you please...........?"or "John, I need you to......Thank you"....Also don't worry about someone not liking you. They are paid to do a specific job and if it falls within their job description you shouldn't feel uncomfortable asking them to do it......................

[TrudyRN]

I make it clear to the ancillary staff that I am a team player. Also, I think it's all in the approach when you are asking someone to do something. I know alot of nurses who bark orders constantly and end up complaining that the aids "do nothing" on the floor. I don't have that problem because I ask them politely"Can you please...........?"or "John, I need you to......Thank you"....Also don't worry about someone not liking you. They are paid to do a specific job and if it falls within their job description you shouldn't feel uncomfortable asking them to do it......................

Maybe I shouldn't but sometimes I do. I think it comes from having been bytched at by subordinates in years past and having had supervisors who didn't back me up. Yes, now that I think about it, I was a lot more assertive in my younger days but have had too darned many lousy bosses who don't know how to manage or lead or back up their staff nurses, bosses who let the aides run the place. Hmm, good insight here and it was cheaper than going to therapy.

[DEB52]

I am hoping that I am a good leader. Recently I became a Clinical Team Manager of my unit. I'm trying to transition from staff to management. This isn't easy every day. But I try to be fair, I try to listen and I try to be there. My first priority is the patients. It was when I was a staff nurse. I feel that I'm out there supporting them, helping them through issues, and some days working next to them. My job requires that I have some days in the office and some days being in charge and doing patient care.I feel this helps me keep up my skills but also keeps me grounded as to what the real issues are with the staff. :smilecoffeeIlovecof