There are multiple leadership styles in nursing; however, it is possible to define several commonly applied styles – transformational leadership, autocratic leadership, laissez-faire leadership, and servant leadership. Transformational leadership is a specific type of relation-oriented nursing leadership that focuses on employees’ motivation to perform beyond expectations (Poels et al., 2020). It is highly efficient as associated with higher job satisfaction, increased staff-wellbeing, decreased burn-out rates, and workers’ retention. Divided into groups, employees may take responsibility and solve problems more efficiently in a time-sensitive manner. However, transformational leadership is inefficient in new organizations without a well-developed structure.
Autocratic leadership is characterized by a leader’s decision-making, excessive control, and intolerance for mistakes. Although this type of leadership does not promote communication between a leader and followers, transparency, collaboration, and a comfortable working atmosphere, it is efficient when quick and competent decision-making is necessary (Durmuş & Kırca, 2019). In contrast with the autocratic type, laissez-faire leadership is frequently applied by inexperienced leaders who provide a team with autonomy and decision-making without any feedback concerning outcomes. In general, the advantages and disadvantages of this style depend on team members’ competencies and experience. Thus, a highly experienced team prefers to operate without control, while a team that needs supervision can make many mistakes working autonomously. Finally, servant leadership presupposes a leader’s care concerning team members’ needs. It is efficient in diverse multidisciplinary teams; however, a poor-performing team may suffer from long-lasting preparations, especially when quick actions are required.
In addition, there is a difference between leading, managing, and following, predominantly in these concepts’ functions. Thus, leading refers to motivation, inspiring others, taking responsibilities, and serving as a role model. In turn, managing implies administration and control over working processes for goal achievement. Following means the commitment to specific instructions and work under control. In general, all three concepts are not role-bound – nurses may lead, manage, and follow simultaneously regardless of their roles.
References
Durmuş, S., & Kırca, K. (2019). Leadership styles in nursing. IntechOpen Book Series.
Poels, J., Verschueren, M., Milisen, K., & Vlaeyen, E. (2020). Leadership styles and leadership outcomes in nursing homes: a cross-sectional analysis.BMC Health Services Research, 20(1009), 1-10.