A Leadership Job Should Change Some Behaviors

As I look for inspiration for things to share and as I plan future topics to cover, sometimes one just presents itself to me. This one I am about to share has been on my mind since I read it about a week ago on a different Facebook thread. Sometimes when you continue to progress through your leadership journey, your path might move you into different positions and higher positions in an organization. This change does require a leadership adjustment in your thought and also I believe it should change some behaviors too.

I read a Facebook post on a nursing site/blog which caused me to pause and consider the question and how I would respond. The writer stated they recently became a new Director of Nursing for her organization, her first position as a Director. Her question was to ask others there opinion of her decision to continue to wear scrubs as the Director of Nursing. Her rationale was she wanted to jump in at any moment to help out the working nurses if needed.

Commendable rationale.

It was a simple enough statement. I found it admirable in thought, supportive of direct patient caregivers, and a connectedness to the beginnings of nursing career. The statement though did not settle well with me and I have been pondering it and discussing it with other leaders. I was curious to see someone else’s thoughts.

Though I believe this nurse’s thought is commendable, I can say I don’t believe that if she wants to make a professional move into leadership at the executive level she will be successful with her current rationale. I believe she will soon have to understand that, like different fields of clinical nursing, executive nursing leadership has a requisite set of skills to master and behaviors which support the position. Being part of the front line work force is not one of them.

Too many leaders have a difficult challenge letting go of their past or their beginnings. I’m not saying to forget, your beginnings are what built your foundation in nursing and is an important part of your leadership heritage. But where you started is not where you are going. Living your professional life like you started in your nursing career is similar to asking for crayons you used in kindergarten when you are graduating college.

Leadership requires you to be current, to be relevant, and to be engaged.

When you transition from a front line worker into a manager position or from manager into an executive position, you must grow and develop new skills and behaviors to be successful. If you continue to act and behave, in thought or deed in the same way with your previous position, you cannot be successful in your new position. I have seen this mentality quickly end a budding nursing leader’s potential growth and career. Don’t let the temptation to remain the same or to revert to a previous attitude sabotage your future. You need to grow as a leader.

Transitioning to a higher position in leadership comes with new and exciting things to learn. Your growth is sometimes steep, but always beneficial if you put forth effort. As you transition up in an organization, each step comes with different requirements and you will need new and more advanced behaviors, strategic vision, and discerning leadership skills. These other issues, which we will cover at another time, include an understanding of the responsibilities to a new position, managing your time as a leader, delegating responsibilities, understanding legal implications of a leadership position, organizational dynamics, cross professional interactions, team building, and collaboration.

Let me share with you 5 things you can do to help you transition into a higher leadership role successfully.

1. Mentor: This is important no matter your position in an organization. But if you move into any leadership position, find a trusted mentor to help you successfully navigate the new terrain. This mentor should be in good standing, should understand your new position, and be willing to let you work your position in your style. But they also need to have your blessing to be honest with you and provide candid, accurate, and sometimes challenging feedback to you. This can be your best resource as you progress.
2. Education: As you begin the search for a new position, then do your homework. You need to understand the role and responsibility of the position, what is required to do it successfully, and where are you lacking in skills to accomplish the new task. Your mentor can help with this too. You should not be afraid or ashamed to ask people currently in the position what is needed, what are some of their challenges and struggles, and what they feel is needed to be successful. Then educate and find the resources you need to be successful.
3. Observe. It is the quiet leaders who sometimes have the easiest transition. They spend more time listening, and watching, and observing other leaders. How do they act, what behaviors do they exhibit, and which actions and behaviors have been successful. Then do the analysis on yourself and see what you bring to the fight. Do your strengths make you a strong candidate for this job? Can you minimize your weaknesses to be successful?
4. Feedback. Ask your trusted peers what they think of your leadership and do they think you can handle the job. It would wise to not just take at face value their obvious support of you. When they say “of course you would do great”, ask them why? This type of feedback is invaluable as you transition and move forward.
5. Grit. As you continue to progress and move, not all your peers, subordinates, or superiors will be supportive or even on your side. Grit and fortitude sometimes is required when you take on a leadership position. Many just enjoy trying to take you down. It is your resilience and belief in yourself that somedays has to carry you through. But if you made the decision to take on the opportunity, then take it on head first!

This new Director of Nursing can wear scrubs. Nowhere does it say she can’t. Transitioning into a leadership role mean changing more than your title. It means changing your actions and behaviors!

Leading with you!

Dean

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