As a leader in a nursing department, you are taking time to reflect on everything that you have learned thus far, the leadership theory that you prefer to use, why you chose it, and how that theory influences staff morale and satisfaction.
Write your thoughts in a 2–3-page paper, excluding the title page and references, and include the following:
Write an introductory paragraph that includes the sentence, “The purpose of this paper is to…â€
Define the leadership theory that you prefer to use.
Provide your rationale for the leadership theory that you chose.
Describe how that leadership theory influences staff morale and satisfaction.
Include specific examples of the theory\’s influence on staff morale and satisfaction.
Include at least 1 additional reference and accompanying citation in the body of the paper in addition to the textbook.
The following headings are required:
Preferred Leadership Theory and Description of Theory
Rationale for Preferred Leadership Theory
Leadership Theory Effects on Staff with Examples
Conclusions
References
For reference I am an operating room nurse in CA
Unit 3 IP
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliations
Unit 3 IP
Leaders who have the capacity to offer direction to their followers are likely to create strong teams that are committed to the goals of their organizations. A person’s leadership style determines the leadership theory that one would choose to execute his or her leadership functions. Nurse leaders need to identify the leadership theory that best defines their leadership behaviors (Gemeda & Lee, 2020). The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the leadership concepts that have been discussed throughout the course. The paper will include a description of the preferred leadership theory, the rationale for choosing the preferred leadership style, and how the leadership theory affects staff morale and satisfaction.
Preferred Leadership Theory and Description of Theory
The goal of every leader is to choose a leadership theory that will enable them to successfully execute functions. The leadership theory that I prefer to use is servant leadership theory. Servant leadership theory describes leaders who employ a holistic approach to leadership where the leader acts with a high degree of morality, engages followers in various operations that are taking place in an organization, and is committed to addressing stakeholders’ concerns (Qin et al., 2021). Leaders who utilize servant leadership theory combine ethics with relationship-building to empower their followers to grow to their full potential. Such leaders put the interests of stakeholders and employees ahead of theirs. The goal of servant leadership theory is to direct the leader to engage followers in all aspects of the organization while also helping them to become empowered individuals in their own capacities (Canavesi & Minelli, 2021). Servant leadership theory is an appropriate leadership model to be used by nurse leaders who often work with patients and teams of healthcare providers who need to be engaged in various dimensions of care.
The Rationale for Preferred Leadership Theory
The rationale for choosing servant leadership theory is the need to demonstrate a moral-based leadership in the operating room where the nurse leader is expected to prioritize the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals. As Canavesi and Minelli (2021) explain, servant leadership theory is linked with increased performance among employees in healthcare settings. Patient outcomes in the operating room are highly influenced by employee performance. Therefore, servant leadership theory guides the nurse leader to enhance the performance of operating room nurses by encouraging them to perform to the highest potential thereby improving patient outcomes.
The other rationale for selecting servant leadership theory is its effectiveness in influencing leaders to provide feedback to their followers thereby enabling them to know their strengths and the weak areas that require improvement. A study conducted by Qin et al. (2021) revealed that servant leadership theory inspires followers to proactively seek feedback, a factor that helps them to build their skills. The fact that servant leaders prioritize the needs and interests of stakeholders ahead of theirs empowers followers to freely interact with their leaders to present their concerns and obtain feedback.
Servant leadership theory is an appropriate model for operating room nurse leaders due to its focus on self-awareness, empathy, and compassion which are the key leadership behaviors that drive success in surgical rooms. Onaca and Fleshman (2020) support that servant leadership theory encourages nurse leaders to demonstrate self-awareness, compassion, and empathy. These behaviors do not only increase performance among professional teams but also ensure that patients receive quality and safe health care.
Leadership Theory Effects on Staff with Examples
Servant leadership theory is associated with positive impacts on staff morale and satisfaction. Canavesi and Minelli (2021) conducted a study to assess the impact of servant leadership on employee engagement in an Italian-based firm. Findings of the study indicate that servant leadership theory positively influences employee engagement in healthcare settings. For example, the fact that servant leaders prioritize the needs of stakeholders boosts staff morale and encourages them to perform to the highest of their capabilities. Additionally, employees’ satisfaction is increased in an environment where the leader uses servant leadership due to the leader’s focus on empowerment, provision of feedback, team cohesion, and the creation of a positive organizational climate (Canavesi & Minelli, 2021). Employees are always satisfied to work in an environment where they can present their concerns directly to their leaders and obtain feedback. Qin et al. (2021) support the effectiveness of servant leadership in influencing employees to proactively present their concerns and obtain feedback from their leaders, thereby enhancing staff satisfaction. Generally, servant leadership theory increases staff morale and satisfaction due to its uniqueness in putting staff development first.
Conclusion
Nurse leaders heading surgical departments should utilize leadership styles that allow them to prioritize the needs of both patients and healthcare teams. The most preferred leadership theory is servant leadership theory. The rationale for choosing servant leadership theory is the need to demonstrate a moral-based leadership that focuses on empowering both patients and employees to do all they can to develop and grow. Servant leadership theory improves staff morale and satisfaction thereby enhancing employee performance.
References
Canavesi, A., & Minelli, E. (2021). Servant leadership: a systematic literature review and network analysis. Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, 1–23. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10672-021-09381-3.
Gemeda, H. K., & Lee, J. (2020). Leadership styles, work engagement and outcomes among information and communications technology professionals: A cross-national study. Heliyon, 6(4), e03699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03699.
Onaca, N., & Fleshman, J. W. (2020). Types of leadership and how to use them in surgical areas. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, 33(4), 228–232. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1709457.