Transformational leadership philosophy in DNP nursing practice

DNP Innovation and Scholarship Leadership
The modern healthcare setting including nursing field is looking for leaders who get stuff done. Loch (2014) states that some of the hallmarks of leaders today include executing, getting results, and initiating change. Leaders who accomplish dramatic results in the right way are usually governed by a clear and authentic leadership philosophy. Therefore, a philosophy of leadership is critical toward enhancing one’s ability to become a leader in his/her field. In the nursing field, a philosophy of leadership is the way we perceive ourselves as DNP-prepared scholars and leaders. The philosophy guides our actions, our behaviors, and our thoughts. However, an individual’s philosophy of leadership is influenced by internal and external forces that shape his/her view of the practice environment. This paper provides my nursing leadership philosophy and most important influences. The discussion also includes an overview of its application to advanced nursing practice and DNP Essentials II and VIII.
Personal Leadership Philosophy
I believe that leadership goes beyond leading people to inspiring them to better themselves. Leadership is not only about providing a sense of direction toward achieving a common established goal, but also entails inspiring others to become better in the process. Helping others to grow and become better has always brought me a sense of happiness. I tend to focus on helping others identify their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth as they strive to become better while working toward the achievement of an established goal. Therefore, leadership is not about bossing people around, but getting the best out of them while inspiring them to become better through constant improvement.
As part of inspiring others to better themselves, I believe that leadership in the nursing field entails caring for people. Since childhood, I have always desired to be in a position where I can help people who are suffering and in pain. I chose a career in the nursing field since it provides an opportunity for me to engage in activities that help others become better. In this regard, I base my nursing leadership on caring for others i.e. patients while uplifting others i.e. my subordinates. Through caring for patients with different needs, I end up uplifting them as they take personal responsibility for their health and wellbeing. On the other hand, uplifting my juniors enables me to play a critical role in their growth and development, which eventually gives me a sense of happiness and fulfillment.
Foundational leadership theory. One of the foundational leadership theories underlying my personal philosophy of leadership is transformational leadership. Under this theory, leaders connect with their followers in a manner that enhances their motivation and morality. Since uplifting others is the core of my nursing leadership philosophy, I will apply all the four components of transformational leadership i.e. idealized influence or charisma, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individualized concern. These four components of transformational leadership play a critical role in helping others engage in processes that better them as they work toward achieving the desired organizational goals and objectives. Secondly, my nursing leadership philosophy is supported by the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory, which is based on the concept of individualized concern (Center for Values-Driven Leadership, 2017). By focusing on uplifting others, I apply the concept of LMX Theory as a I work toward helping the team members turn from out-group members to in-group members as they work to be as productive as possible. During this process, individualized concern is demonstrated since it’s the premise for addressing any underlying issues that an individual member could be facing. As a result, members are ultimately empowered and motivate to be productive as they better themselves in the process.
Characteristics of my nursing leadership philosophy. One of the characteristics of my nursing leadership philosophy is emphasis on individualized concern and teamwork. Individualized concern is the premise for providing personal support to team members while teamwork helps to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the entire team. Secondly, communication is an important characteristic in my leadership philosophy since it is the core of developing positive relationships through which others are uplifted. Communication plays an important role in developing healthy relationships with patients and people around me as I work toward uplifting them. According to Drinon (2014), a healthy or positive relationship helps members to feel appreciated and motivated. As a result, these individuals enhance their involvement, commitment and productivity. The other characteristics of my leadership philosophy include self-motivation and adaptability.
Qualities and skills attributed to my nursing leadership philosophy. One of the qualities attributed to my nursing leadership philosophy is respect for others. Showing respect for others is essential toward making them feel valued and appreciated, which in turn provides the foundation for developing positive relationships with them. It is relatively impossible to uplift others without showing them respect even if they have different values and beliefs. Secondly, my philosophy of leadership is linked to integrity, which is closely associated with respect. Integrity helps to model suitable behaviors that are desirable by members and plays a critical role in influencing them toward becoming better. The other attributed to my nursing leadership philosophy is good interpersonal relations skills. Interpersonal relations skills influence the type of relationships that can be developed between a leader and members. Good interpersonal relation skills is the premise for developing positive relationships and influencing others. Personal development is also associated with my nursing leadership philosophy because of the role of education in nursing leadership. Bondas (2006) state that education and personal development is an important aspect of an individual’s career path in nursing leadership. The ability to uplift others to better themselves not only requires competence, but also requires commitment to ongoing education for personal development.
Most important influences. My nursing leadership philosophy has been influenced by various influences or experiences. One of the most important influences on my philosophy of leadership is my childhood experiences. During childhood, I was exposed to pain and suffering within my family and even lost some family members to sickness. Since then, I have always wanted to be in a position where I can help uplift others. I always feel happy and fulfilled when I help others become better, especially those in pain and suffering. Secondly, I learned leadership through personal experience in high school where I has many class projects to complete. Through this, I obtained knowledge and experiences that shaped my view of leadership and eventually influenced my philosophy of nursing leadership. My dad has also been a great influence in my nursing leadership philosophy since he is a positive leader who has always worked hard to support the family and others even during difficult moments.
Application to Advanced Nursing Practice
Nursing leadership, particularly advanced nursing practice, is a relatively complex field that is characterized by various scientific, academic, political, and organizational demands (Bondas, 2006). Given these complexities, it is increasing important for advanced nursing practice leaders to develop suitable leadership styles to enhance their effectiveness in the practice setting. My nursing philosophy of leadership will play a critical role in determining my effectiveness as a leader in advanced nursing practice. In this regard, I intend to apply the concepts of transformational leadership in my clinical practice setting. As part of uplifting others, I will focus on creating an environment of change and transformation for the nursing workforce. I will focus on promoting creativity among the nursing workforce as a means of encouraging commitment to personal development among nurses. Creativity will help nurses become better as they constantly look for better ways to complete their work. Isaksen (2007) contends that a climate of change and creativity focuses on promoting consideration and use of new ways of working, product and services.