If you’re currently working as a RN, you may be looked on as a leader by your colleagues, patients and their families. Whatever your aspirations in nursing, you can make an even stronger, positive contribution to the profession by developing effective leadership skills. Leadership in nursing is primarily about making decisions, delegating appropriately, resolving conflict and acting with integrity. Leadership also involves nurturing others and being aware of how people on your team are feeling by being emotionally in tune with your staff.

 
Developing good self-awareness, time management skills, social awareness and relationship management skills will enable you to become an effective leader.
Self-Awareness. To be an effective leader, you must begin by being able to read your own emotions and understand how those emotions can impact others. How you react to the stress and emotional toll of your profession will give you insight into how your team may react.
Time Management. A few quick ways to better manage your time include: 1) keeping your work area organized; 2) planning your day and allowing time for unforeseen issues; 3) after patient care, prioritizing remaining tasks so the most important get completed first; 4) once you know what needs to be done, creating a daily schedule including breaks.
Social Awareness.  Nurse leaders know that it’s critical to develop good social awareness skills, such as active listening, identifying emotions and your peers and subordinates’ emotional needs. When you empathize with people – whether patients or staff – you can gain trust and become a more effective leader.
Relational Management Skills. Leaders use relationship management skills to inspire others and develop their potential while managing projects, conflicts and emergencies.  Different people are motivated in different ways and not everyone will perform at the same level or respond in the same way to environmental stressors or workplace pressure. As a leader, you must use strategies that your team will find motivating while staying flexible enough to include your entire team.
When you’re developing your leadership skills – both practical and interpersonal – remember that, it’s better to focus on being authentic, honoring your strengths and developing your own unique style. Think about what you stand for and how you will communicate it. Demonstrate a genuine commitment to learning, listening and giving and receiving feedback. By doing so, you will succeed as a leader.
~Michael and Frida Donner