Ten Things I Know for Sure About Nursing Leadership

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

We are in turbulent times in healthcare. Planning in nursing leadership today can be challenging.  As one of my nurse leader colleagues recently told me – I keep learning that so much of what we have done in the past won’t work in the future. The world is in flux, and healthcare is part of the storm. Yet nurses now look to their leaders more than ever to help frame what sometimes appears to be the chaos of change.

Only some things that I once believed about leadership are still true today.  Times change, and the context of leadership changes with it.  But there are some things that will always be true about leadership – here are 10 things that I know for sure.

1. Leadership is ultimately about influence – if you cannot influence those who follow you – you will not be effective even if you are in a leadership role.
2. Leaders need to walk their talk – nurses will watch how you behave, which is much more potent than what you say.  This can be uncomfortable, but it is true.
3. Leaders must be willing to challenge their assumptions – and be prepared to sometimes be wrong, especially in the current environment.
4. Leaders must actively listen to listen and only sometimes respond. Communication today is challenging – there are so many methods, and wise leaders use all of them and repeat communication numerous times because often messages are not heard the first time or even the second or third.
5. Leaders must remember the bigger picture – short-term thinking does not lead to long-term accomplishments.
6. Leaders need to watch the signposts of change – as an example – artificial intelligence could rock the healthcare world in ways none of us anticipate.
7. Leaders should be coaches first and foremost – our staff needs and wants this feedback and coaching from supportive leaders.
8. Leaders need to give people second chances – it can be a powerful impetus to help staff members change their behavior.
9. Leaders need to recognize when something is not working – and not struggle to hold onto a sacred cow.  Knowing when to hold on and when to let go is essential.
10. Leaders must be willing to admit their mistakes openly – it sends a powerful message and builds trust.