Leadership…What did I learn?

1.    Share what you had expected to learn about the topic before the class.

a.    I expected to learn methods to improve leadership skills.  I thought we might look at other successful leaders and learn about what methods worked for them and how to implement some of those methods into our own leadership style.

2.    What you actually learned from the unit.

a.    One of the things I learned (that I wasn’t expecting to) was the difference between a manager and a leader.  In my mind, while managers plan, organize, make sure areas are staffed, yada, yada, yada…leaders (at least good leaders) have the ability to make those who work with (or under) them, better.  They inspire others to follow, and find success in common goals.

3.    How you will utilize the information learned in your nursing practice.

a.    I’m hoping to use what I learned to be a better leader (duh, right?) Honestly, I hope to be able to use what I learned to help my patients be successful.  Whether it’s being a leader that my patients can follow, someone that can inspire a patient to achieve success, and be healthy; or lead a team of nurses to promote patient wellbeing. I hope to utilize what I learned to be an all around better nurse.

4.    Your personal feelings about the material covered.

a.     It was a good class. I don’t necessarily believe that if a said goal is not accomplished, that your leadership has failed…(Curtis E LaMay quote?).  It seems to me in sports the goal is to win.  Whether it’s the World Series, Superbowl, or Stanley Cup, if the goal is not accomplished, I don’t believe that the coach is a failure.  Sometimes being a good leader is being loyal and learning from failures as well.  Learning to grow, overcome failure, and find success later is also a mark of a good leader.