Leadership

Not all managers possess leadership qualities. Each position has its own characteristics and functional activities, but these activities are related and must work together to be successful. Leadership and management are vital to all healthcare organizations. All managers are not leaders and leaders don’t necessarily have to be managers.

Managers have an official title which is not the case for all leaders. Management involves the coordination and integration of resources through the activities of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling in order to accomplish specific goals and objectives within an organization, (Ellis & Hartley, 2010, p. 5). A leader leads people to a common goal by providing purpose, direction, and motivation where a manager enables their subordinates to accomplish their specific tasks by providing resources and materials. A leader insures that all tasks are performed by their subordinates and takes responsibility for the success or failure of those tasks being completed.

Leadership is an innate quality. It is effortless for a leader to lead because it is how their minds work. It is how they assimilate the world around them and move through it. There are many characteristics that make up a great leader. A leader is often admired in their efforts to think critically, set goals, and skillfully communicate. Leaders have to adapt their style to their staff. There are many different types of leadership styles. It is also necessary to implement a different leadership style in different situations, such as a crisis. There is no “one size fits all” way of leading others. Leaders also have to earn the trust of their colleagues. Integrity, empowerment, and good communication skills are just a fe...

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...rily assigned to positions where they will oversee conduct and operations of others. Managers are specific positions where an individual will be assigned to insure tasks are completed. In the nursing field, the opportunity to come in contact with or for leaders will be quite extensive. Those individuals may or may not be assigned as managers or supervisors but their work values and ethics will be infectious. Every field benefits from having these individuals employed within their organization. Managers are needed in our field to insure that the materials, resources, and employees are assigned and employed to accomplish tasks that will enable the success of providing care and wellness to patients and their families. While any organization needs managers, it is the leaders that motivate, inspire, and empower others to be their best person and do their best job.