Module 5 - Critical Incident

Reflecting back on all the different situations I have been involved with or experiences I have witnessed, there are many amazing moments I can remember, but there are also equally as many, if not more, challenging circumstances and obstacles as well. A common denominator in almost all of these different reflections of the past is TRUST. This word has a different meaning to everyone and effects people differently in the way it guides or directs them in their everyday situations. It influences how we react to many different everyday life experiences. I have worked in my organization for over 8 years and have worked for several different leaders/managers during this timeframe. There have been leaders come that have not been able to gain the trust of staff, and as a result, I also saw them go. I have seen the other end of the spectrum as well. The leaders that base their relationship and interactions with their staff on a trustworthy foundation, is able to maintain a healthy, strong relationship that will continue to grow stronger and stronger. As long as the leader continues to work to prove their trustworthiness, the staff will continue to remain engaged and focused, all working towards the same goals as the leader. Trust is something you may have one minute and then lost in the next, often times, without even knowing it. For this reason, I believe the book The Speed of Trust, is one that every new and seasoned leader should read and refer to in times of challenges, whether it be a specific situation or staff that are really testing the leadership. Our organization just recently built a new facility. As with any change there have been many growing pains along the way. Our journey has been extremely satisfactory but has also been very trying. The experience I would like to explore is one of a new manager in our organization. I have been a leader on my unit as a charge nurse for several years and was the interim manager for 8 months as well. Being a