Encouraging the Heart - Emerging Nurse Leader

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

“Getting extraordinary things done in organizations is hard work. The climb to the summit is arduous and steep. Good leaders encourage others to continue the quest. They inspire others with courage and hope.” James Kouzes and Barry Posner

How intentional are you about encouraging the heart of those who follow you? This is an important question for nurse leaders to consider because it is the key to staff engagement. In their international best selling book The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner identify encouraging the heart as one of the five key practices of exemplary leaders. They point out that genuine acts of caring draw people out and make it easier for them to continue their work in even the toughest of times. Recognition is the most important currency that leaders have in their toolbox. Yet, it is often overlooked especially in challenging times when organizations and leaders move into a survival mode. In my current research with young nurses, I have found that there is a strong feeling that “caring for staff” is not a high priority in today’s health care organizations. Yet, it is precisely during these tough times with encouraging the heart becomes even more important.

Strategies to Encourage the Heart

Kouzes and Posner have observed that we need to feel connected to others and, in turn, they to us, because greatness is never achieved all by ourselves-alone. Encouraging the Heart is the leadership practice that connects us with one another. When nurse leaders commend staff for achieving the values or goals of the organization, they give them courage, inspiring them to experience their own ability to deliver-even when the pressure is on. When we recognize staff for their contributions, we expand their awareness of their value to the organization and to their co-workers. There are two specific ways that we can do this:

1. Recognize Contributions by Appreciating Individual Excellence

A belief in others can make extraordinary things happen even in the face of the most challenging goals. But to sustain “winning” performance, you must offer positive reinforcement and be supportive and encouraging. You must also be very clear about goals and expectations. Regular feedback is extremely important. Kouzes and Posner are strong believers that recognition should be personalized and leaders have a responsibility to learn what recognition is meaningful for each staff member. A simple “thank you” can be a very powerful form of recognition. All of us have a basic need to noticed, recognized and appreciated for our performance. Think about recognition in your life that has been very meaningful and how it probably inspired you to a higher level of performance. No one wants to be taken for granted. Start a “kudos for colleagues” worksheet so everyday you can recognize several staff for their contributions.

2. Celebrate the Values and Victories

Celebrating the efforts of team helps to create a very strong sense of community. When social connections among staff are strong, there is more trust, reciprocity, communication, collective action and happiness. Too often in challenging times, organizations may feel that it seems frivolous to celebrate when in fact, it is needed during these times most of all. Public events showcase our work in a very visible way and remind us of our shared values. This type of social support among colleagues enhances productivity, psychological well-being and even physical health. Make storytelling part of these events so the victories are widely celebrated. Leaders should not only plan these events but be visibly present and personally involved in the activities.

Of all the things that sustain leaders in their roles, encouraging the heart has been found to be the most profoundly satisfying leadership activity. Leaders enjoy a leading a winning team. To do this – you must encourage the heart. This means recognizing contributions, appreciating individual excellence and celebrating values and victories which will create a sense of community.

Read to Lead

Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. (2012 5th Edition). The Leadership Challenge. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

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