‍

Every nurse is a leader at some level, whether it is encouraging patients to take the necessary actions to improve or maintain their health, serving as a mentor and role model for less experienced nurses or taking on the position of a nurse manager. Developing your leadership abilities is a must if you want to progress in your nursing career.

To be a leader, you must be able to motivate and encourage others to achieve their own and the organization's objectives. Positivity, adaptability, and a clear strategic vision are hallmarks of effective leaders. In addition to their problem-solving abilities, they are also adept at communicating and delegating effectively.

When it comes to leadership development, it's never too early. Contrary to popular assumption, leadership abilities may be learnt and improved.

Identify and improve your personal and professional strengths and limitations.

Great leaders are self-aware; they know where their strengths and weaknesses lie, as well as which leadership style is most beneficial for them to use.

Everyone is born with a specific set of innate talents, as well as the ability to learn new ones throughout their lives. Everyone has their own set of flaws. Examining your own strengths and shortcomings is an excellent way to find out what you're good at and what you need to work on.

Maintain a pleasant and energetic attitude.

You don't think of effective leaders as grouchy, grumbling, or rude people when you think of them. People follow inspirational leaders because they have an optimistic outlook on life and are willing to attempt new things if they don't work out the first time around.

When you go above and above what is required of you, you will be noticed and respected. Try to fix problems yourself before handing them over to others, and even come up with ideas for how things might be improved for everyone in your workplace.

Retain your sense of ethics and morals.

In order to gain the trust of others, you need to show them that you're a person of high integrity and honesty — someone who "walks the talk."

As a person of integrity, try your best to live up to the standards you set for yourself. Be honest in all of your dealings; keep promises and deliver on them, and accept personal responsibility when things go wrong. Be careful not to take things personally or to make assumptions before you have established the truth.

Develop great interpersonal and communication skills.

Being a great communicator is a must for leadership success. You can't motivate, guide, influence, or persuade others if you don't communicate effectively and build genuine relationships.

Develop your communication abilities both orally and in writing, and never forget that communication flows in both directions. Communication is a two-way street if you listen to what the other person is saying and pick up on their non-verbal signs to show that you are interested in what they have to say.

Continually broaden your horizons

The knowledge that can be mined for ideas and solutions is the key to exceptional leaders' vision, innovation, and critical reasoning. They are able to see possibilities or predict issues and threats before they occur and plan strategic action.

You must not only stay abreast of developments in your area of expertise but also broaden your horizons by learning about a number of other issues. Make an effort to assist others with jobs and initiatives that will allow you to gain new knowledge and experience. 

Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay up-to-date on your skills and knowledge by participating in ongoing education. Engage in open dialogue and solicit input from a wide range of people in order to gain a better understanding of the many viewpoints. Continue and broaden your horizons by reading frequently and broadly.

Become a member of a professional group

You can gain valuable leadership experience by being involved in groups that matter to you, whether they're nursing associations, student councils, or non-profits.

You can learn more about the issues affecting your profession or community and how leaders approach advocacy, activism, and lobbying by participating in professional organizations. Get involved in as many committees as possible, as this will provide a wide range of leadership opportunities.

Participating in organizations gives you the chance to meet and develop relationships with a wide range of people with whom you may exchange ideas and a shared vision of the future. These relationships may be a great source of encouragement and support, as well as vital feedback and guidance.