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strong sharing of values and beliefs. box 1-2 Distinctive Styles of Leadership Adapted from Buchanan, L. (2012/June). 13 ways of looking at a leader. INC Magazine, 74–76. 3663_Chapter 1_0003-0016.indd 8 663_Chapter 1_0003-0016.indd 8 9/15/2014 4:36:37 PM /15/2014 4:36:37 PM Process Cyan rocess CyanProcess Magenta rocess MagentaProcess Yellow rocess YellowProcess Black rocess Black chapter 1 ■ Leadership and Followership 9 employers all expect nurses to be honest, law-abiding, and trustworthy. Adherence to both a code of personal ethics and a code of professional ethics (Appendix 1, American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses) is expected of every nurse. Would-be leaders who do not exhibit these characteristics cannot expect them of their followers. This is an essential component of moral leadership. ■ Courage. Sometimes, being a leader means taking some risks. In the story of Billie Thomas, for example, Billie needed some courage to speak to her nurse manager about a problem she had observed. ■ Positive attitude. A positive attitude goes a long way in making a good leader. In fact, many outstanding leaders cite negative attitude as the single most important reason for not hiring someone (Maxwell, 1993, p. 98). Sometimes a leader’s attitude is noticed by followers more quickly than are the leader’s actions. ■ Initiative. Good ideas are not enough. To be a leader, you must act on those good ideas. No one will make you do this; this requires initiative on your part. ■ Energy. Leadership requires energy. Both leadership and followership are hard but satisfying endeavors that require effort. It is also important that the energy be used wisely. ■ Optimism. When the work is difficult and one crisis seems to follow another in rapid succession, it is easy to become discouraged. It is important not to let discouragement keep you and your coworkers from seeking ways to resolve the problems. In fact, the ability to see a problem as an opportunity is part of the optimism that makes a person an effective leader. Like energy, optimism is “catching.” Holman (1995) called this being a winner instead of a whiner (Table 1-3). ■ Perseverance. Effective leaders do not give up easily. Instead, they persist, continuing their efforts when others are tempted to stop trying. This persistence often pays off. ■ Generosity. Freely sharing your time, interest, and assistance with your colleagues is a trait of a generous leader. Sharing credit for successes and support when needed are other ways to be a generous leader (Buchanan, 2013; Disch, 2013). ■ Balance. In the effort to become the best nurses they can be, some nurses may forget that other aspects of life are equally important. As important as patients and colleagues are, family and friends are important, too. Although school and work are meaningful activities, cultural, social, recreational, and spiritual activities also have meaning. You need to find a balance between work and play. ■ Ability to handle stress. There is some stress in almost every job. Coping with stress in as positive and healthy a manner as possible helps to conserve energy and can be a model for Qualities Behaviors Integrity Courage Initiative Energy Optimism Perseverance Balance Ability to handle stress Self-awareness Think critically Solve problems Communicate skillfully Set goals, share vision Develop self and others Figure 1.1 Keys to effective leadership. table 1-3 Winner or Whiner—Which Are You? A winner says: A whiner says: “We have a real challenge here.” “This is really a problem.” “I’ll give it my best.” “Do I have to?” “That’s great!” “That’s nice, I guess.” “We can do it!” “That will never succeed.” “Yes!” “Maybe . . .” Source: Adapted from Holman, L. (1995). Eleven lessons in selfleadership: Insights for personal and professional success. Lexington, Ky.: A Lesson in Leadership Book. 3663_Chapter 1_0003-0016.indd 9 663_Chapter 1_0003-0016.indd 9 9/15/2014 4:36:37 PM /15/2014 4:36:37 PM Process Cyan rocess CyanProcess Magenta rocess MagentaProcess Yellow rocess YellowProcess Black rocess Black 10 unit 1 ■ Professional Considerations others. Maintaining balance and handling stress are reviewed in Chapter 11. ■ Self-awareness. How sharp is your emotional
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