Interview Reflection- Demonstrating Leadership and Management Style in Clinical Practice

Interview Reflection- Demonstrating Leadership and Management Style in Clinical Practice

In my previous role as a registered nurse on the surgical unit, there was an instance where I had to take charge during a particularly busy shift. Our unit was short-staffed due to unexpected absences, and the patient load was significantly higher than usual. The nurse manager was occupied with administrative tasks, and the team needed immediate direction to ensure patient care was not compromised. In response, I assumed a leadership role informally, rallying the team together for a quick huddle. I delegated tasks based on each team member’s strengths, prioritizing patient needs and ensuring everyone had a clear understanding of their responsibilities. My goal was to create a cohesive and efficient workflow during this challenging time.

The management style I adopted was primarily transformational. I aimed to motivate and inspire the team to work collaboratively, emphasizing the importance of our collective effort in maintaining high-quality patient care. My power, in this context, was derived from my clinical expertise, as well as the trust and respect I had developed among my colleagues through consistent teamwork.

Reflecting on the situation, I realized that my management style was effective in the sense that it allowed us to navigate the demanding shift successfully. However, in retrospect, I recognize the importance of also incorporating some aspects of transactional leadership to provide clearer guidance and expectations for the team. Following this, in the future, faced with a similar situation, I would likely blend transformational and transactional elements in my management approach. This hybrid style would involve motivating the team through shared goals and values (transformational) while also establishing clear expectations and offering rewards for meeting performance standards (transactional). This balance would provide a structured framework for the team while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment (Purwanto et al., 2020).

Looking forward, my preferred management style is a blend of transformational and transactional leadership. This combination allows for flexibility and adaptability in different situations, promoting a positive work culture while ensuring accountability and efficiency within the team (Purwanto et al., 2020). The ability to tailor my management style to the specific needs of the situation remains crucial for achieving both individual and collective success in a dynamic healthcare environment.

References

Purwanto, A., Bernarto, I., Asbari, M., Wijayanti, L. M., & Hyun, C. C. (2020). Effect of transformational and transactional leadership style on public health center performance. Journal of Research in Business, Economics, and Education, 2(1).