My Personal Journey of Embracing Discipline in Nursing Leadership
Have you ever been in a workplace where the phrase, “Do whatever you want as long as it gets the job done,” is the norm? It may sound liberating, but it can be detrimental to the growth of the organization and the employees.
As a nursing leader, I used to be part of such an environment. I thought that giving my team members enough autonomy would make them feel empowered and motivated. Little did I know that it was a recipe for a chaotic workplace.
One day, I realized that I needed to step up and embrace discipline to positively impact my team’s effectiveness and the quality of care our patients received. It was not an easy journey, but it was worth it.
Introduction
Leadership in nursing requires a multitude of skills, including communication, empathy, and critical thinking. It also demands discipline, which may not be as glamorous as creativity or inspiration, but it is just as crucial to success.
The journey of embracing discipline as a nursing leader is not only about cracking the whip and enforcing rules. It’s about building a culture of accountability, respect, and transparency that fosters growth and development.
In this article, I will share my personal journey of embracing discipline in nursing leadership and the lessons I learned along the way.
Setting Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges of leading a team is managing different personalities, work styles, and goals. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy for team members to step on each other’s toes and blur their responsibilities.
Early in my career, I used to be too lenient with my team members, allowing them to cross boundaries and do tasks outside their scope of practice. It created confusion, frustration, and conflicts, and it affected the quality of care we provided.
One day, I decided to set clear boundaries and expectations for my team members. I communicated them through a written policy, team meetings, and one-on-one conversations. I also made sure that everyone was aware of their roles and responsibilities and had the necessary skills and resources to perform them.
It was not an overnight change, but it was worth the effort. My team members felt more comfortable with their tasks, and they knew exactly what was expected of them. It also reduced conflicts and errors and improved the quality of care we provided.
Encouraging Accountability
Another crucial aspect of embracing discipline in nursing leadership is accountability. It entails holding oneself and others responsible for their actions and outcomes and being transparent about successes and failures.
In the past, I used to avoid accountability because it was uncomfortable and confrontational. I preferred to sweep problems under the rug and focus on the positive aspects of my team’s work. However, I soon realized that it was a mistake.
Accountability is essential for continuous improvement and growth. It allows team members to learn from their mistakes, develop new skills, and collaborate more effectively. It also fosters trust and respect and reduces the likelihood of ethical breaches and lawsuits.
To encourage accountability, I implemented a system of regular performance reviews, goal-setting, and feedback. I also established a culture of open communication and addresses concerns and conflicts proactively. It was not always easy, but it helped my team members feel more valued, empowered and motivated.
Conclusion
Embracing discipline in nursing leadership is not about being a tyrant or a stickler for the rules. It’s about creating a culture of accountability, respect, and transparency that fosters growth and development. It involves setting clear boundaries, encouraging accountability, and leading by example.
My personal journey of embracing discipline in nursing leadership was not an easy one, but it taught me valuable lessons about myself, my team members, and the importance of a disciplined workplace. I hope that my experience will inspire others to embark on their journey and reap the benefits of a more disciplined and effective nursing leadership.
