NURS 6053 LEADERSHIP THEORIES IN PRACTICE Introduction  

When it comes to leadership, there are so many methods and ways to gain the employees’ trust. There is much research stating the best leadership style; the reality is that every situation needs a different kind of leadership, and every profession needs a different one. Parenting, for example, cannot be solely laissez-faire, and it cannot solely be authoritarian. Even transformational leadership cannot be the only method used in parenting. The same goes for nursing; not only style applies to all. Every organization is also different, and every situation is different. 

Any leadership style aims to determine the objectives, initiate action, and coordinate workers’ efforts (Marshall & Broome, 2021, p.9). The role has always been on the leader to initiate that while motivating workers, but that is only sometimes helpful for employees. Nursing is based on autonomy; therefore, certain leadership styles will need to be revised, like the authoritarian style, which negates the concept of autonomy and almost deletes critical thinking in nurses. 

Leadership Theories 

There are many theories when it comes to leadership. Theory X is focused only on the leader making all the decisions, and based on productivity, followers get incentives and punishments (Marshall & Broome, 2021, p.10). Theory Y is a participative style, always seeking consensus. In contrast, theory z is focused on the well-being of the employees on and off the job and on job satisfaction (Marshall & Broome, 2021, p.10). 

The best fit for nursing would be transformational leadership, which could combine theory Y and theory Z. In transformational leadership, the leader influences others not just through specific characteristics like charisma but also through being focused on the leader, on others, and on being a role model (Marshall & Broome, 2021, p.15). Leaders usually have specific characteristics like being good listeners, good coaches, having empathy and support, and being able to motivate and offer recognition (Marshall & Broome, 2021, p.18). 

Leadership Challenge Model 

The challenge model is based on providing a role model for the followers to mirror while adding autonomy and developing their strengths. It is a way to make the followers see their leader’s strength while developing their own (Marshall & Broome, 2021, p.184). 

Leadership in nursing 

The leader needs to stay in touch with the employees, listen to their concerns, help if needed, make rounds, and evaluate their performances (Marshall & Broome, 2021, p.186). We can take the charge nurse as an example of leadership in nursing. A charge nurse should always be available, have answers, and show resources; a charge nurse should show empathy, compassion, and self-management. A manager should also be there for support and be seen on the floor alongside the staff nurses, listening to their concerns and meeting their needs. A manager should offer incentives, should motivate, and discuss fallouts. 

Leadership In My Organization 

The leadership style used in my organization is transformational. The manager is always present on the unit and available by phone if off the unit, even on weekends. She continuously checks in with the nurses to ensure they are all right, always offering to step up and monitor patients while nurses take a ten-minute break. Apart from the informal check-ins daily, she has formal check-ins twice a year, discussing what motivates us, how to recognize us, and printing out excellence in performance to show us what others have said about us. She always pushes us to be better and seek what is next by ensuring we are doing our education and thinking for ourselves, and always speaking up. One example was when I had a conflict with the neurology department, not getting back to me, not communicating with me, and dismissing my concerns. She immediately got in touch with them and highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication and the impact that has on the organization. Another example of the her being there was when I had a patient with a wound vac in place; I have never changed one before. She stepped up and helped me do the nursing care that I needed. She was there to help and as a support and I could not have done it without her. Not only did she help, but she made me a resource as well for other people who have not done it before. This is a kind of transformational leadership being there, being visible and motivating me to do better and do more than what is expected by motivating me to teach others. 
 

There are times when a different kind of leadership is needed. In a code situation, transformational leadership cannot be used; a more authoritative kind is nee