Which statement best describes effective leadership by the nurse manager?

Question

a. Directs a staff nurse to modify his or her communication skills
b. Fosters behavior changes in one staff member that have positive effects on the nurse manager and his or her peers
c. Encourages behavior changes through the annual evaluation process
d. Uses the group process to determine what behavior is distressing to staff

Answer 1

B
Leadership in groups is democratic; the members feel positive about their participation and the outcomes of the group process. The other options are not examples of effective leadership. This person should be flexible enough to adapt to the changing roles of nursing staff. The nurse man-ager/leader should be willing and able to share power with the same people that he or she will supervise. It is important to understand that the most effective leadership style for one situation is not necessarily the most effective for another. Research indicates that the effectiveness of the leader is influenced by the situation itself. As leadership theories continue to develop, emphasis is more on what the leader does rather than on the traits the leader possesses. Effective leadership revolves around the leader focusing a group's efforts on identifying goals and carrying out the activities needed to reach those goals, not necessarily on individual issues, such as an annual evaluation processes or working with a staff to change communication skills.