Managers and Leadership: Some stand above the rest

[blissfully_married]

Hi Everyone!

I was thinking today about past managers that I have had. Some were ok and able to handle things.....and some did it in such a way that people fought to be part of that unit. I would love to hear your stories about managers and leaders that were wonderful. How would you describe them? What kinds of traits did they have that you admired?

Here is my little story.. Trauma Patient came into the ED. It was going to be a close call but it looked hopeful in the beginning. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the bleeding to stop and then he coded. Our team tried everything, but despite all of us working like maniacs we couldn't save him. I am sure many of you have felt this moment before. Needless to say it hadn't been a great day and this ended up being the icing on the cake. We prepared to go through the motions of clean up. Well none of us had realized how much blood had gotten on the floor. Our CNO walked by as the code happened and saw all of our faces drop. She stepped in and made us all step back for a second while she helped to clean up the floor. You could see the caring in her eyes. l knew that she was there for us not just to run the hospital and make rules. She cared.

Love to hear your stories!

[lpnflorida]

I recall a house supervior who showed up on my unit once. I knew her professionally, not personally. She told me my daughter was in the emergency department and why. She then walked to emor with me with her arms about my shoulders. I never have forgotten her and her kindness.

[Medic09, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Not quite as big a deal, but the other night it started snowing and icing up. The Charge had just poked his head out, and saw the change in weather. He came and got me, and told me to ride my motorcycle home and come back with the car so I wouldn't have problems in the AM.

This is the same guy who intervenes on our behalf every time, with upper management or patients. He is afraid of no one when looking out for the general welfare of his colleagues.

[ShayRN]

My favorite managers have always been strong leaders that are fair. I don't have to LIKE them as a person to respect them as a leader. But as long as someone treats their staff with respect and handles the trouble makers I usually like them, lol. My manager now would through his staff under the bus to make himself look good in a blink of an eye. I have never once felt supported by him and even when he is being "nice" it turns my stomach. I love my co-workers and my work, that is why I stay.

[nurseshepherd]

Not quite as big a deal, but the other night it started snowing and icing up. The Charge had just poked his head out, and saw the change in weather. He came and got me, and told me to ride my motorcycle home and come back with the car so I wouldn't have problems in the AM.

This is the same guy who intervenes on our behalf every time, with upper management or patients. He is afraid of no one when looking out for the general welfare of his colleagues.

We need a lot more like this!!!

[country mom]

Wow- great topic. I agree with author John Maxwell, "it all begins with leadership". Ever read the "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership"? I think anyone going into management should read it- one of his rules is that when you become a leader, you forfeit the right to abuse people.

It's not easy leading nurses- we're a passionate, opinionated bunch. One manager that I really respected knew us personally, we were people to her, not just a body to fill a job. She never asked anyone else to do something she wouldn't do herself.