This is a reflective model used to reflect on the development of my leadership skills using

evidence based theory and research (Gibbs, 1988). During 3 rd year was able to witness and
appreciate the advantages of different leadership skills by observing different leaders using
different leadership styles. These included situational, transformational, and transactional,
among other styles. The completion of patches 1 to 3 has affected my leadership development.
It has enabled me to link nursing practice with evidence and theory, encouraging personal
development and knowledge. Leadership has significant effect on the achievement of team
goals and it is important to use different leadership methods depending on the issue at hand.
As the year progressed i gained knowledge of leadership skills and theory through reading
many books and journals. i applied the knowledge within practice. Working with different
leaders has enhanced my passion for the practice. This made me sure of the leadership style
best suited for me. My acquired knowledge of different leadership styles has made me aware of
the importance of effective communication, guidance and motivation of team members to
achieve team goals. However, I still need to improve interpersonal skills to be able to put theory
into practice thus the need to come up with the SMART objectives in Appendix 1.
Developing leadership skills is crucial to the achievement of health care goals as it has been
documented in many NHS policies (Hewison and Griffiths, 2004). Being a leader involves using
interpersonal skills to motivate and lead teams. This is achievable through continuous learning
and development within the health care industry. I have appreciated the effective and efficient
decision making skills and processes used by leaders i met during the 3rd year. These lead to
organized and effective patient outcomes. It was also evident that conflict resolution within a
team is a responsibility to a leader. The leader is expected to resolve conflicts in order to
develop care plans when team members have different ideas and opinions. (Harrington, 2021)
Leadership skills development is important to Registered General Nurse career because the
best patient outcomes are associated with effective leadership. Strong leaders create strong
team and conducive work environment for effective care of patients and make their teams
successful. This is because teams are made aware of their responsibilities and what to expect
from the leader (Mitchell, 2022). Development of leadership skills also makes leader
accountable and dedicated to team success. Generally having leadership skills leads to
manageable stress levels and team cohesion. (Mitchell, 2022 and Sherring, 2012)
As I advanced in the year I became able to adapt to different situations and work differently
with different leaders. Thus I became self aware of my capabilities to be a situational leader.
Major (2019) describes situational leadership theory as a theory in which an effective leader is
able to adapt leadership style to suit the needs and levels of their team members in different
scenarios. To develop such leadership style, must be able to know staff on professional and
personal level. (Major, 2019 and Stanley, 2017)
There are several other development skills to be worked on such as communication,
professionalism, compassion, resource use and quality of practice. In order to be able to
understand the needs of a situation one must be able to communicate the situation effectively,
share decision and provide team goals that are achievable. (Hewison and Griffiths, 2004 and
West, et al, 2015)
Communication skills must be effective. Communication involves listening skills and non verbal
skills (Laurent, 2000). Active listening is important in understanding what is actually being said
rather than what the response must be. Non verbal skills such as voice tone and eye contact are
essentially functional when listening, providing feedback and building trusting relations with
team members and patients (Brunt and Bogdan, 2023). Elderly patients require a
compassionate and listening low voice tone; children need a fun listening tone. Though certain
situation require delegating-voice tone and strict eye contact as when instructing a new nurse
who is not sure of what their tasks or responsibilities are. There is also need to constantly learn
new advances, theories and evidence based practice. Reading various sources of evidence
based information enhances knowledge and confidence in providing efficient, accurate and
suitable health care. (Fielden , et al, 2009)
Completing patches 1 to 3 has helped me acquire knowledge of roles of leadership in service
improvement and provision of quality patient care. I have knowledge of the characteristics of a
good leader and will strive to live up to those standards. I now understand that a nurse leader is
the driver towards positive patient outcomes and improved health care services. There is need
to improve the quality of health care by improving the effectiveness of nurse leadership.
Leaders improve patient care by providing clear sense of purpose, motivating teams to work
effectively and focusing on improvement of service and system performance. (Dye, 2017;
Sherring, 2012 and Mitchell, 2022)
In conclusion, reflection of leadership development skills has made me aware of my strengths
and weaknesses to improve as i become a registered nurse. I need to align leadership style to
situation needs and team needs. This is possible through achieving the SMART objectives in
Appendix 1. The objectives highlight areas of focus that need improvement such as confidence,
knowledge gaps and feedback. Improving these areas will help me develop into a better leader
that is able to tailor leadership strategies to suit different situations and different teams and
patients.
REFERENCES
Brunt, B. A. And Bogdan, B. A., (2023). Nursing Professional Development Leadership. In Stat
Pearls Publishing: Treasure Island.
Dye, F., C. (2017) Effective Leadership: in Leadership in Healthcare: 3rd Edition.
Fielden, S. L., Davidson, M. J., And Sutherland, V. J. (2009). Innovations in Coaching And
Mentoring: Implications For Nurse Leadership Development. Health Services Management
Research, 22(2).
Gibbs, G., (1988). Learning by Doing: A Guide To Teaching And Learning Methods. In Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Harrington, A., (2021) Understanding Effective Nurse Leadership Styles during The COVID-19A
Pandemic. Nursing Standards, 36(5), 45-50
Hewison, A., And Griffiths, M., (2004). Leadership Development in Health Care: A Word Of
Caution. Journal Of Health Organisation And Management, 18(6), P464-473.
Laurent C L (2000) A Nursing Theory for Nursing Leadership. Journal of Nurse Management,
8(2), 83-87.
Major, D., (2019). Developing Effective Nurse Leadership Skills. Nursing Standards, 34(6), 61-
66.
Mitchell, G., (2022). Nurse Leadership 'Key to Achieve Desired NHS Culture Change '. Nursing
Times.
Sherring, S., (2012). Nursing Leadership within the NHS: An Evolutionary Perspective. British
Journal Of Nursing.
Stanley, D(2017) Leadership Theories And Styles. Clinical Leadership in Nursing And Healthcare
Values Into Action, 2nded. Wiley Online Library
West, M., Smithgall, L., Rosler, G., And Winn. E., (2015). Evaluation of A Nurse Leadership
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APPENDIX 1: SMART objectives

Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-frame

I will enhance Ability to use By reading These are Assess my
my knowledge evidence based literature on accessible from knowledge
of clinical research in health care nursing journals every term
practice practice and libraries
I will put Giving and Constantly Evidence based This will be an
evidence based asking for learning new theories have ongoing
theory into feedback from advances always been process while
practice staff and throughout my encouraged feedback will
patients career be given
monthly
I will focus on Reflecting on Using Gibbs Reflective Ongoing
boosting my positive (1988) model is process while
confidence experiences reflective realistic reflections will
and focusing on model be done
strengths monthly
I will get to By my ability to By interacting Realised Sharing break
know other match their and sharing through times with
staff members knowledge and experiences feedback different staff
personally and experience to and nursing weekly
professionally responsibilities stories
I will improve By assessing my Through Seminars and Seminars will
leadership skills skills, taking attending workshops may be attended
note of leadership be available and
improvements seminars and online Assessment will
and areas of workshops be done every
concern 6 months