Hope First
Nur 492
April 9, 2012
Oscar Garcia
Effective Leadership and Management in Nursing
Many individuals believe that leadership and management are the same. Although managers and leaders have similar characteristics, there are distinct differences between the two. The main distinction is how they motivate individuals who follow or work for them. In some circumstances, individuals can be both a manager and a leader. However, an individual can fill a management role and be limited on leadership traits and vice-verse.
A leader is someone who makes a difference in the world by cultivating integrity, listening skills, a vision, knowledge, and passion; then extends that into their environment. Leadership has a sense of value and integrates it into work ethics to accomplish a goal. Leadership is a state of mind and not a title. By having the ability to lead by example using key components, such as; dependability, integrity, honesty, listening and communication skills, and problem-solving is an effective leader. Also leadership is the ability to influence others to achieve a common goal or task. I believe leaders possess an insight into situations and the environment, good or bad, and have the capacity to work through them. A good leader can endure the waves and survive the storm.
Although leadership and management styles are important, there is a significant difference between them. Leaders use influence and guidance to mentor actions, courses, and opinions. Whereas, managers have a responsibility and are in charge of others. Warren Bennis is a respected leader who is famous for two quotes; “failing organizations are usually over-managed and under-led” (Bennis, 2007, p. 9) and “managers are people who do things right and leaders are people who do the right thing” (Bennis, 2007, p. 9). A leader uses skills to promote innovation and long-term perspectives. They focus on development and investigate the what
References: Bennis, W. (2007). Learning to lead: A workbook on becoming a leader. Perseus Books / Addison Wesley. Sullivan, E. J., & Decker, P. J. (2009). Effective leadership and management in nursing (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.