Chapter 10

Power, Politics, and Influence

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Objectives

Explore concepts of professional and legislative politics. Value the concept of power related to leadership and management. Use different types of power in nursing leadership. Develop a power image for effective leadership. Choose appropriate strategies for exercising power.
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Focus on Power

Power Influence Empowerment

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Strategies for a Powerful Image

Self-image: Present a poised and positive image to ones self and to the rest of the world.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Grooming and Dress

Grooming and dress are critical to a powerful image. Wrinkled scrubs and messy hair do not contribute to a powerful image.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Grooming and Dress (contd)

Hair, makeup, and jewelry should be appropriate to the situation. Clothing must look professional and appropriate to the setting. Business casual is not an invitation to wear jeans.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Speech

Speech is a powerful aspect of image.

Pay attention to tone of voice, pace of speech, and volume. The words one says are important; how those words are spoken is even more important.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Body Language

Body language is critical to a powerful image. Gestures, posture, and body position contribute to the image one projects.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

Believing

Power is a positive force for nurses. Believing that being a powerful nurse is a professional asset and is critical to ones positive professional image.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

The Profession of Nursing

It is critical to value nursing as a profession, not just a job, and to view nursing as ones career, not just a job. Never think of oneself as just a nurse. Never discourage others from considering nursing as a career; be a nursing booster!

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Continuing Education

Value continuing education in nursing to grow as a professional. Commit to lifelong learning in nursing.

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Attitude Toward Others

Be honest; it is a critical professional behavior. Be courteous even when others are not. Greet patients, family members, and colleagues with a handshake.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Smile!

Smile when appropriate. Smiling puts people at ease, especially when they are under stress.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Responsibility

Accept responsibility for your own mistakes and learn from them. This is professional accountability, and it is powerful.

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Risk

Be a risk taker. Expand your horizons in nursing. Join a nursing organization, run for office, or volunteer for a committee.

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Networking and Mentoring

Network! Join nursing organizations and get to know nurses outside of where you work. Be proactive in sharing business cards with those in your professional network. Be a mentor (formally or informally).

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Accepting Criticism

Take constructive criticism gracefully. Learn to let destructive or unwarranted criticism roll off your back.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Are You Politically Astute?

Self assessment:

I am registered to vote. I know where my voting precinct is located. I know the names of my senators in Washington. I know the name of the state center from my district. I know which senators are supportive of nursing.

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Building Political Skills

Build a relationship with a legislator. Be an active member of an organization. Run for office. Develop expertise in shaping policy. Seek appointed positions.

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Tips

Become an active member of selected nursing organizations, especially ones state nurses association and a specialty organization (e.g., special role organization or clinical specialty organization) Develop a powerful personal/professional self-image

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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Tips (contd)

Invest in your nursing career by continuing your education Make nursing your career, not just a job Develop networking skills Be visible and competent in the organizations in which you work and network

Copyright 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.

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