A transformational leader has the ability to influence other people and encourage changes. Such a leadership style can be defined as intended to “motivate and inspire followers to pursue higher-order goals through the transformation of followers’ attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors” (as cited in Giddens, 2018, p. 117). Thus, a transformational leader’s main goal and competence is the ability to inspire people to “work towards the desired change” (Krepia et al., 2018, p. 190). Moreover, such a leader is able to influence the values ​​and attitudes of followers, ensuring the exchange of ideas.
A transformational leader has a number of key characteristics which enable to create change. Among them is charisma, allowing one to act as a role model, motivation which can inspire followers, individual attention to people and their needs, and intellectual stimulation enabling them to solve unconventional tasks and make decisions (Krepia et al., 2018). Therefore, transformational leaders use their unique skills to “improve group outcomes and satisfaction among group members” (McCaffrey & Reinoso, 2016, p. 398). Such nursing competencies allow developing innovative initiatives through engagement with followers and psychological empowerment (Masood & Afsar, 2017). Transformational leadership also results in better patient care and higher team performance.
The main focus in the development of the leadership style skills is on the knowledge of the nurse’s personal qualities and the development of leadership potential. The attributes of a transformational leader include the ability to be an influencer and make difficult decisions. First of all, it is necessary to develop communication skills, assess the needs of patients and subordinate healthcare workers, and search for an individual approach to each situation. Further, it is important to articulate the tasks for the team and precisely direct their activities according to the established goals. The transformational leader must also be a highly qualified nurse to provide advice and coaching to help the followers in difficult cases and improve their professional skills. During the process of evaluating my qualities, it was revealed that I have all the attributes necessary to become a successful transformational leader (Cherry, 2020). I can build effective communication considering the individual needs of the participants, as well as direct and coordinate the activities of the team. Thus, in order to develop as a transformational leader, I need to improve my professional skills as a nurse practitioner continually.
Case Topic: Health Promotion
To successfully organize a Health Fair addressing health promotion, Sara needs to show key competencies and fulfill specific roles. The support for health promotion is also essential; it may include the collaboration with her team, local faith organizations, regional healthcare system, and authorities. The roles which Sara should fulfill are clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and clinical nurse leader (CNL). The skills provided by these roles allow her to consider a metabolic syndrome, DM specifically, in a systematic and comprehensive way and focus on providing relevant information for education of the population (Retting et al., 2017). Given the content of the described case, several key competencies can be identified which are necessary for the implementation of the effective health promotion program for the event.
First of all, direct clinical practice and evidence-based practice are essential, as Sara needs to have extensive knowledge of DM in order to develop a relevant and informative program supported by appropriate activities. The skill of intellectual stimulation of the transformational leader is extremely important in this case, as it is necessary to encourage the team to study the problem profoundly and comprehensively. Leadership and collaboration are also essential competencies which can be accompanied with idealized influence and inspirational motivation skills. The transformational leader needs to guide the team towards achieving the desired result and coordinate its activities. The competence of coaching and consultation is also related to the skills described, as Sara must provide advice to followers in case of difficulties during the organizational process. Ethical decision-making is an important competence and is associated with individual consideration skills since Sara will work with local faith organizations.
References
Cherry, K. (2020). What’s your leadership style? Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a leader. Verywell Mind. Web.
Giddens, J. (2018). Transformational leadership: What every nursing dean should know. Journal of Professional Nursing, 34, 117-121. Web.
Krepia, V., Katsaragakis, S., Kaitelidou, D., & Prezerakos, P. (2018). Transformational leadership and its evolution in nursing. Progress in Health Sciences, 8(1), 189-194. Web.
Masood, M., & Afsar, B. (2017). Transformational leadership and innovative work behavior among nursing staff. Nursing Inquiry, 24(4), 1-14. Web.
McCaffrey, R., & Reinoso, H. (2016). Transformational leadership: A model for advanced practice holistic nurses. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 35(4), 397-404. Web.
Retting, A. E., LaRue, J., & Pearson, E. (2017). The clinical nurse leader and clinical nurse specialist. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 43(4), 356-357. Web.