Characteristics of Leaders

1.       Leadership requires personal mastery – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they show competence and mastery in the tasks they perform. Nurses are deemed competent by means of a license to practice nursing (NLN 2010).

2.       Leadership is about values – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they are honest, respectful, and professional to their patients and fellow staff. Acknowledging and honoring the moral responsibilities the nurse owes to their patients is vital to caring for them effectively.

3.       Leadership is about service – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they show dedication by giving of their time and energy. Nursing can often be a strenuous job, yet nurses continue to work hard to provide for those that are depending upon them.

4.       Leadership is about people and relationships – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they form trusting relationships with patients and staff. Much of the nurse’s job is about trust. Trust is essential to providing quality care to patients and in working with fellow staff.

5.       Leadership is contextual – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they are able to respond/react to adversity and challenges effectively. A nurse’s job is never consistent, every day presents a new challenge and problem to solve. Every patient does as well.

6.       Leadership is about the management of meaning – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they respect their position and workplace by presenting themselves professionally. Nurses hold a responsibility to uphold their title as a nurse and to also uphold the image and character of their facility and coworkers.

7.       Leadership is about balance – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they are able to manage their time and efforts effectively. Nurse’s time and energy are often spread thin and a level of personal management skill is necessary to excel.

8.       Leadership is about continuous learning and improvement – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they are able to acknowledge a mistake, a misunderstanding, or a lack of personal knowledge or skill. Knowledge is ever changing and leaders must always be working to further their understanding and abilities.

9.       Leadership is about effective decision making – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they are able to assess situations and make an educated and decisive plan of action. Trust and confidence is built when nurses are concise in their decision making.

10.   Leadership is a political process – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they fulfill the responsibilities asked of them. They do not petition for position or job, their qualifications speak for themselves.

11.   Leadership is about modeling – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they act as a role model to fellow nurses and medical staff. It is important for nurses to be conscious of other staff members learning from their successes and mistakes.

12.   Leadership is about integrity - Nurses demonstrate leadership when they are honorable in the workplace. They are honest with their time, they are willing to help other staff when needed, they fulfill their role as nurse with respect, and they do not shy away from additional responsibilities that become necessary.