UNIT # 3

Leadership Styles Implemented In

Healthcare Settings
Style of Leadership
Being a good leader is important in any industry, but in the
healthcare field the stakes get exponentially higher.
The most effective leadership styles in nursing management
understand that both nursing staff and patients benefit from
the unit acting as a team. Realizing that the success of the
unit heavily relies on the strength of the nursing leader should
implore nursing leaders to understand the different types of
leadership styles in nursing management.
The five nursing leadership styles are describe below:
1. Transformational
2. Democratic
3. Laissez-Faire
4. Autocratic
5. Servant
1. Transformational Leadership
Transformational leadership is a management style that
motivates employees to take ownership for their roles and
perform beyond expectations. Instead of assigning tasks
from the top, transformational leadership teaches people
how to think rather than just do what they are told.
Sometimes called quiet leaders, they lead by example.

2. Democratic Leadership
The democratic leadership style welcomes and encourages
input and communication from the team when making
decisions. Relationships are highly valued by this type of
leader, and it’s important to them that their team feels
comfortable and willing to voice concerns, opinions, and
ideas. A democratic leader also sees value in providing
feedback to their team, truly viewing communication as a
two-way street.
3. Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-faire leadership in nursing is most often seen in new
or inexperienced nurse leaders. Typically referred to as a
“hands-off” approach, laissez-faire nursing leaders rarely
provide direction or feedback to their team, but rather allow
the team to function as they prefer, without strong
supervision. These leaders are not thought of as strong
decision makers.
4. Autocratic Leadership
As a stark contrast to the laissez-faire leadership style,
autocratic leadership in nursing is extremely “hands on” and
includes a great deal of decision making. Nursing leaders
using the autocratic leadership style are comfortable making
decisions without input from their team, and often withhold
information from the team in general. This type of leader
has little tolerance for mistakes.
5. Servant Leadership

With a recent growth in popularity, servant leadership refers

to leaders who influence and motivate others by building
relationships and developing the skills of individual team
members. Servant leadership in nursing implies that a leader
naturally cares about ensuring each team member has the
resources and tools they need to succeed.
Role of Effective Leader
As well as providing direction, inspiration, and guidance,
good leaders exhibit courage, passion, confidence,
commitment, and ambition. They nurture the strengths and
talents of their people and build teams committed to
achieving common goals. The most effective leaders have
the following roles in common.

1. The Motivator
For many leaders, being a source of motivation to the team
comes naturally, as they want to see their team succeed.
As a leader, you should know how to encourage your
team, inspire them to action and help them realize their
potential.
2. The Mentor
Being guided in the right direction is essential to success. A
mentor provides the mentee with the foundation to be
successful. This type of leader is the perfect asset to have
when reaching new heights in any area of life.

3. The Adapter
As a leader, you must be flexible. Even if you have a
planned schedule, there is always the potential for the
unexpected to take place and you must be able to adapt as
needed.
4. The Communicator
Being a good communicator is an important skill set to have
in all areas of life. The communicator is the type of leader
that listens to incoming messages effectively and articulates
what being stated to others in an understandable, concise
manner.

5. The Role Model

A role model is one who inspires others by setting examples
of their values, personality or actions. Others want to
emulate their role models. Thus, a leader of the team or an
organization should conduct themselves as they expect
employees to behave in the workplace.
Ways to Develop as an Effective Leader
Successful healthcare leaders need clinical skills, business
competencies, and interpersonal or soft skills to guide their
organizations to success. Great leaders never stop learning and
growing as a professional. To lead employees better, a leader
needs to undergo personal development through books,
courses, and programs to expand their skills and reassess their
personal characteristics to become a better leader. Following
are the characteristics that stand out as important leader
qualities.

1.Delegating
Delegating major responsibilities can be tricky as the purpose
of delegating work is to not unload your work but give your
employees the chance to learn and grow in their careers.
Delegating promotes teamwork provides autonomy and builds
trust among direct reports.
2. Self Awareness
Self-awareness is a trait that is developed by self-reflection
and recognizing your own strengths and weakness to
become an effective leader.

3. Gratitude
The qualities of a good leader are not always strategic.
Sharing gratitude with your direct reports will make you a
better leader and built self-efficiency, reduce stress and
anxiety. An effective leader knows how to build
relationships by showing gratitude in the workplace.
4. Learning Agility
A leader that is agile can navigate the ups and downs of
healthcare and embrace uncertainty in a constantly changing
healthcare environment. Leaders should be able to perform
with high levels of critical thinking, and creative problem-
solving techniques to generate new solutions.

5. Respect
Giving employees respect on a daily basis will promote
teamwork, defuse conflict and improve effectiveness. A
leader in a health system must continually build a culture of
respect to attract and retain high performers to leverage and
influence the contributions of all their talents.