What Makes a Good Leader

It includes the following approaches: the situational theory of Hersey and Blanchard, idea of substitutes for leadership, path-goal theory and Fielder’s contingency theory. Substitutes for leadership are the variables that influence followers with the same degree as that of a leader’s behavior. Some of these variables neutralize the effect of a leader’s behavior while other eliminates the need for a leader’s behavior. These variables are categorized into two: organizational characteristics and followers characteristics. Organizational characteristics include low position power, rigid adherence to rules, the presence of a cohesive group and a formal organization. The situational theory is an approach determines leadership style by addressing follower readiness, it also considers the relationship and task behavior. It has different leadership styles such as delegating, participating, telling and selling.

Telling leadership style involves low relationship and high task behavior. Telling leaders define the task that followers should do; they also monitor and supervise the followers closely. The decisions are made by the leader without the involvement of the followers and they are then communicated to followers. Participative means that the followers are involved in making decisions. Achievement-oriented style outlays the direction as well as high support when considering behavior. Supportive style of leadership focuses mainly on the relationship between followers and leaders. The leader mostly involves the decisions in encouraging the followers. Directive leadership style focuses mainly on providing authority and direction that ensures a task is accomplished. Acknowledgment from both their leaders as well as their patients they understand their job and are successful in accomplishing their goals.

Leaders need to ask for feedback from bedside nurse on whether the plan of care is on target or need to be revised. Also, bedside nurses act as a connection between patients and the other parties involved in the care of patients. Functions of contingency theory to a public health nurse are improving the system and leadership skills that consequently lead to the growth and development of the public health team as well as enabling professional practice. It also facilitates communication with various people such as individuals, families and community stakeholders to determine knowledge about the health services that are needed and available. I should also help them find what means most to them in their work. It also encompasses skillful communication that comprises of the following; encouraging the exchange of information among various people, listening to others and providing feedback.

As a leader, I should be able to develop myself as well as develop others. Some of my strengths that will help me in my career advancement include; my professional qualifications and certificates that make me stand out from other people. I have also completed several projects as well as participated in some campaigns successfully. They should adhere to the code of personal ethics as well as the code of professional ethics so that their followers can exhibit the same characteristics. Ability to handle stress is the other trait, nurse leaders should cope with stress positively and healthily to be a model for their colleagues. Also, they should have excellent communication skills, that comprise listening to others, providing feedback and encouraging the exchange of information among the workers (Otley, 2010).