Transformational Leadership Analysis

A favorable working environment and quality healthcare outcomes call for a nursing leader with transformational leadership behaviors. Transformational leadership involves a leader working with teams, creating a vision to guide the change through inspiration (Marshall, 2010). It is when a leader inspires followers to perform beyond their perceived capabilities. When a leader influences their team to perform its best, patients receive quality outcomes in a nursing environment. This paper will examine a scenario from my previous work in which a leader demonstrated transformational leadership. It will explain the specific transformational leadership behaviors that he exhibited, how they influenced excellence in nursing practice, and how they contributed to healthy workplace culture. Lastly, the paper will explain the relationship between transformational leadership, communication, and collaboration with other teams.

Scenario and Transformational Behavior

During my industrial internship, I interned at a local county level hospital, where I practiced as a junior nurse. The hospital specializes in quite a several areas, and therefore a general manager is needed. I was impressed by how the chosen manager conducted his activities. He encouraged others, including supervisors, nurses, and employees. For example, I remember one time I did poorly in my practical test, he noticed but instead of scolding me, he encouraged me and talked of how nursing experience seems for beginners. I felt encouraged and developed a strong passion for nursing. His encouragement made a positive impact on my career as a nurse.

Secondly, his goal setting was clear and smart. He set goals that could apply to anyone and that were achievable. He showed transformational leadership by setting clear goals that had an impact on nursing practice. For instance, one of the goals he had developed while I was there is influencing patients’ quality care by engaging them in quality communication. He stressed the importance of having logical contact with patients as they would open up on their conditions. Instead, it would lead to quality services.

The third characteristic he exhibited is he inspired others by providing support and recognition. For instance, he used to make sure he is accessible either offline or online to ensure those who needed his help got it. In this case, support in terms of advice or matters related to nursing as he was experienced in the field of nursing. Also, he recognized those who did exemplary work and acknowledged them through awards. It instilled motivation in each one who was mandated with an obligation.

Lastly, he was a leader of integrity and fairness. Nothing impresses employees like having an honest, ethical leader who treats them equally regardless of their position (Treviño, Hartman, & Brown, 2000). The manager treated us equally without considering one’s position. Many instances were when he talked the truth without compromising to fit in anyone’s shoe, and he was true to his words. While some employees lied to patients and their colleagues, the manager insisted on being honest, especially to the patients, giving them an accurate picture of their conditions.

How the Behaviors influence Healthy Workplace Environment, Quality Patients Outcomes, and Excellence in Nursing

The first behavior that encourages others is vital for any nursing practice as nurses go through difficult times. Eley and Eley (2012) say that nursing is a calling, and therefore encouraging nurses is one part of fulfilling their goals. Encouragement comes along with motivation, and one feels the urge to continue performing a particular action. Thus, when nurses are encouraged, they feel motivated to offer quality services to patients and feel at peace.

Setting clear and smart goals is a behavior that can see the objectives of an organization met. To have a healthy working environment, nurses and their leaders must decide on common goals with them (Sherman & Pross, 2010). When they decide on common goals, for instance, providing quality health care to patients, patients will automatically receive quality care. Clear goals act as a guiding avenue to providing quality services to patients. Also, when goals are set, nurses are motivated towards achieving them, and thus, they work extra hard.

The third behavior, which inspires nurses by providing support and recognition, motivates them towards their roles. The support ensures that the working environment is favorable as they can access the facilities needed, such as equipment for diagnosing patients. Recognizing nurses for their exemplary hard work motivates them towards achieving more. It makes them raise their standards because they are being appreciated. For instance, if a nurse is recognized for providing quality services to patients, he/she will continue to raise standards on the services they deliver. It means patients continue receiving quality outcomes.

The fourth behavior is integrity and fairness. A fair leader influences the right working environment because fairness means peace. Peace is vital for the nursing environment. For instance, when nurses are treated fairly, chaos will not erupt, leading to a peaceful working area. Also, being honest with nurses will prompt nurses to be honest with patients. Providing correct information to patients leads to quality health outcomes.

How the Leader’s Behaviors contribute to Healthy Workplace Culture

When nurses and employees absorb their leader’s behaviors, they pass them on to other colleagues. Everybody tends to practice according to their leader as leaders act as examples. Suppose the employees encourage others, set clear and smart goals in their duties, inspire their colleagues through supporting and appreciating them, and show fairness and integrity in their work. In that case, a healthy culture will be born. The employees are responsible for transforming their leader’s behaviors into a culture. Also, a leader has the responsibility of ensuring they set a strong foundation for employees to follow.

The relationship between Transformational Leadership, Communication, and Collaboration and how it Promotes Excellence in Nursing

Communication influences transformational leadership in which it involves collaborating with teams. It, in turn, leads to excellence in nursing practice. When leaders want to make changes, they will engage in communication with their teams. The teams will then partner with the leaders and collaborate in whatever they agree, such as achieving specific goals. In the end, excellence in their practice is achieved. Therefore, communication to teams such as nurses and collaboration with leaders is vital for transformational leadership to achieve excellence.

To sum up, a favorable working environment and quality patients’ outcomes requires a leader with transformational behaviors. Some of these behaviors are encouraging nurses, supporting and recognizing their work, setting clear organizational goals, and showing integrity and fairness. A leader who possesses such qualities influences positive change in their organization. In nursing practice, such behaviors are critical in ensuring quality patients’ outcomes. Also, communication and collaboration go hand in hand with transformational leadership. Proper communication strategies must be employed if a leader is to make transformations.

References

Eley, D. S., & Eley, R. M. (2012). Why did I become a nurse? Personality traits and reasons for entering nursing. PsycEXTRA Dataset. Doi: 10.1037/e654502012-001

Marshall, E. (2010). Transformational leadership in nursing: From expert clinician to influential leader. Springer Publishing Company.

Sherman, R., Pross, E., and (Jan. 31, 2010) “Growing Future Nurse Leaders to Build and Sustain Healthy Work Environments at the Unit Level” OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 15, No. 1, Manuscript 1.

Treviño, L. K., Hartman, L. P., & Brown, M. (2000). Moral person and moral manager: How executives develop a reputation for ethical leadership. California Management Review, 42(4), 128-142. Doi: 10.2307/41166057