Effective Approaches in Leadership and Management - Essay Example

? Effective Approaches in Leadership and Management s Introduction This present essay focuses on effective approaches in leadership and management, and therefore, it brings out the differences that exist between the two key positions. According to Clark (2008), leadership is the act of organising people in a particular manner in order to achieve a common objective while management is defined as the act of planning, organising, controlling, or leading an organisation in order to attain a common objective. It is evident from the definitions that there is no major disparity between the two terms, and Kelly (2011) further stated that leadership and management interlinked and complement each other. This present essay looks into a scenario whereby a hospital is forced to close down one of its unit and undergone some restructuring. Under this scenario, the essay will compare and contrast how nursing leaders and managers would approach the mentioned scenario. Secondly, I will identify the leadership style that befits my personal and professional philosophy of nursing. Unit closure and restructuring In this scenario, it is assumed that the hospital will close down one of its unit and it could be because of various reasons that could range from lack of financial resources to support this unit or lack of sufficient human resource to serve this unit. Equally, the closed unit could include the mental healthcare unit or critical care unit. Upon closure of a significant unit within a hospital, it is widely expected that the hospital will undergo restructuring in order to control the impact of closure. It is of essence to note that the closure of a unit could potentially lead to job loss, redeployment of staff, reduction of financial capital, or introduction of a new unit/ service. The approach of nursing leaders and managers in the mentioned scenario First, it is significant to note that in the mentioned scenario both a nursing leader and manager have to deal with the issue of change, and thus, how to manage and lead the hospital through the change that it would experience after the closure of the unit and during the restructuring. Kelly (2011) stated that leaders originate new ideas within an organisation, therefore, it is expected that the nursing leader will be the one who will foresee the significance of closing the unit and advocating for the restructuring of the hospital. The leader will then inspire and encourage the manager that it is the best course of action to take, after, which the manager will undertake the task of planning, organising, and coordinating the closure of the unit as well as restructuring the organisation. It can further be noted that the nursing leader will foresee the significance of closing the unit and restructuring the hospital because, leaders have long-term perspective on things while managers have short-term perspective on things, this is according to Clark (2008). With reference to the writings by Kelly (2011), it is correct to assert that the nursing leader will be the one who will originate the idea of closing the unit and even restructuring the hospital, this is because a leader is someone who can challenge the status quo while a manager easily accepts status quo. This means that the nursing manager is not the one expected to initiate the change process within the hospital. Since the above scenario involves change, the leadership and management style used by the nursing leaders and managers will determine if the entire process will be successful and smooth. In case, the nursing leaders and managers apply other approaches contrary to the humanistic approach, which Clark (2008) stated that it is suitable for the change process, then there is likely to be resistance from the hospital staff. However, she further noted that while leaders focus on people, managers focus on structures and systems. This therefore, means that the nursing leader will be involved in ensuring that the hospital staffs are well aware of the pending unit closure and even the scheduled restructuring. Additionally, the leader will involve the hospital’s staffs in the entire process and even seek for their opinion as well as feelings concerning the process. On the other hand, managers will be focusing on how the unit will be closed, the legalities involved, and how the structure of the hospital will change. Personal leadership style Personally, I believe that the nursing profession is a calling since not everyone has the human capability and emotions to assist those in need of physical or emotional assistance always. It takes much courage and good heart to care for patients who are strangers and offer them encouragement whilst giving them a listening ear as they undergo their treatment at the hospital. It is for this reason that I believe a nurse is a transformational leader who inspires others and is a role model to others as well. I personally believe that the transformational leadership style fits with my personal and professional philosophy of nursing. This is because as a nurse am supposed to make quick decision regarding how to handle certain situations when the doctor or physician is not around and the patient’s life seems to be at risk. Through, my transformational leadership style I will always seek to lead as others follow, and therefore, I would always take up or make certain decisions, or handle my duties in a manner that will inspire others, since a transformational leader also enhances the morale and motivation of others. Conclusion While looking at a scenario whereby a hospital is closing one of its units and undergoing a restructuring process, it is critical to note that process will require the input of the nursing leader and the manager. However, it is also significant to note that the roles played by the leader and the manager are different but they complement each other and are interlinked. Conclusively, it can be stated that the nursing leader will be the one who will nurture the idea of closing a unit within the hospital and restructuring the hospital while the manager would organize and plan the entire process to ensure that it becomes a success. References Clark, C. (2008). Creative Nursing Leadership & Management. Jones & Bartlett Publications Kelly, P. (2011). Nursing Leadership & Management. (3rd edition). Delmar Cengage Learning Read More