STRENGTHS BASED LEADERSHIP 1

Strengths Based Leadership

Desire' Patrick

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

NUR 4246 Servant Leadership

Karyn Schultz, DNP, RN, Assistant Professor

September 12, 2020

“I Pledge.”
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Strengths Based Leadership

As the director of a nursing department, one of the requirements is to fill open roles with

the most qualified applicants. These applicants not only need to be able to perform required job

functions but also assess and lead the team at all times. For this assignment, I will discuss the

strengths needed for a vacant Nurse Manager role to be able to lead the team at this specific

hospital. It will be discussed how these strengths affect and influence group dynamics and

contribute to team development. I will further discuss how the leader will apply and leverage

these strengths to create a positive change. Lastly, a follow-up evaluation of the workplace will

be performed to see if the new leader has been effective in creating a change.

It is essential to note this department has reported an increase in conflicts, decreases in

morale and teamwork, and deteriorating intraprofessional relationships. Due to these issues, it is

even more imperative that the leader exhibit strengths from all four domains of leadership. The

domains of leadership include executing, influencing, relationship building, and strategic

thinking (Rath & Conchie, 2013, p. 24). By exhibiting strengths from each of these domains, the

leader will be very well-rounded and able to meet the majority, if not all, of the challenges this

unit is facing. 

After reviewing all of the strengths, the top five strengths that I believe to be the most

essential to lead the team at this time are Achiever, Woo, Individualization, Positivity, and

Strategic. All of these strengths meet the four necessary followers’ needs for trust, compassion,

stability, and hope (Rath & Conchie, 2013, p. 82). In all of these strengths, there is the ability to

build trust, show compassion, provide stability, create hope, and to lead others.

In leading with the achiever, others respect their work ethic and dedication. They can

establish relationships by working with others and not against them. They seek to build a
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bonding experience and show themselves as equal, not superior. Most will view this person as an

inspiration for others (Rath & Conchie, 2013, p. 104).

With woo, the goal is to meet other people and win them over. They are naturally

charismatic to others and can prove to be very trustworthy. Relationships established with the

woo strength are often long-lasting partnerships that have unique connections. These leaders

often build networks of support, trust, and communication with their relationships (Rath &

Conchie, 2013, p. 233).

Those that possess the strength of individualization focus on the unique qualities of each

person. Others look to this strength for trust and building strong relationships. Each person is

treated differently based on a specific style, need, and strength with this strength. Others look to

this strength for thoughts, insights, and feedback (Rath & Conchie, 2013, p. 187).

Positivity is viewed as enthusiasm and is often very contagious. By not focusing on

negative aspects, others will put their trust in this strength. Even though this strength always

focuses on the positive, praise is genuine and without criticism. Many look to this strength as a

“lighthouse” that helps guide them through hard times. This strength will increase other’s

confidence levels and allow for a positive work environment.

With strategic strength, alternative solutions are found when obstacles are met. This

strength can work in a team manner while promoting trust and teamwork. The strategic strength

is respected and admired; as promoting positive thinking in a group, context is exhibited. This

strength can analyze different options and outcomes to suggest the most beneficial way (Rath &

Conchie, 2013, p. 229).

By exhibiting all of these strengths, the leader will be able to promote independence

while promoting teamwork and communication. Healthy relationships are formed with this
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leader as they are sought after regarding opinions or questions. This leader leads by example and

thinks of themselves as equal and not a “boss.” They would not ask anything to be done that they

would not feel comfortable doing themselves.

My strengths of strategic, learner, achiever, input, and woo will combine with the nurse

manager’s top strengths to form a stronger leadership team by exhibiting teamwork while also

promoting independence, encouraging communication, and respect. Where one leader may not

have a particular strength, the other leader will, therefore, be covering all aspects. While both

leaders exhibit some similar strengths, other opposing strengths are shown in the other leader to

address the individualism of the team. This quality will make the leadership team strong, more

approachable by staff, and encourage a conducive workplace and team.

 
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References

Rath, T., & Conchie, B. (2013). Strengths based leadership.