My Leadership Style Essay

I consider myself a democratic leader because I am relationship- and people-oriented. I believe that policies and decisions made in a group setting are best for all involved. Democratic leaders emphasize theme work and are willing to share responsibilities. I like to lead through cooperation, not by bossing around others. This means that I would seek to promote policies through group discussion, and place strong emphasis on teamwork. I believe that an effective manager not only encourages, but listens to input of the workers; an effective manager not only instructs the worker, but shows how the instruction should be carried out; the effective manager eliminates inspectors, and instead teaches the worker the value of doing their own inspection, fostering their own self-worth on the job and their part in making the company works. Effective leadership thus enhances job satisfaction, efficiency and work production (Huber, 2006). Leadership Theory I believe that I would be a good leader because I believe that all effective leaders recognize that their power to achieve organizational objectives comes from having a motived workforce who shares in the organization’s vision. In addition to my ability to establish clear visions and identifies ways to achieve goals, I am a people-oriented individual who believe that people perform at their best when the work that they do enables them to achieve their highest potentials both as human beings and as employees. This means that I do not take an authoritative approach to leading. Rather, I believe in empowering every employee. For these reasons my leadership style is best reflected in the transformational model of leadership. By  definition, a transformation leader is a â€Å"leader who motivates followers to perform to their full potential over time by influencing a change in perceptions and by providing a sense of direction. Transformational leaders use charisma, individualize d consideration, and intellectual stimulation to produce greater effort, effectiveness and satisfaction in followers† (Huber, 2006, p.19). According to Robins and Davidhizar (2007), health care organizations need to constantly evaluate individual nurse managers to promote transformational leadership qualities because positive transformational changes in nursing produce a beneficial trickle-down-effect health care delivery. Huber (2006) indicates that the transformational leadership concept is vital to the nursing practice because it promotes the development of a culture of excellence and that organizations with transformation leaders have traits such as â€Å"pride and satisfaction in the work, enthusiasm, team spirit, a sense of accomplishment, and satisfaction† (p.21). McGoldrick, Menschner and Pollock (2001) state that transformative learning helps nurses to change the way they think about themselves from a professional standpoint because transformative learning aims to refrain the thinking of the individual to self-reflection. Robins and Davidhizar (2007) found, for example, that employees who work with managers who lead in a positive and encouraging manner become more contented and satisfied with positions, which translates into increased patient satisfaction. This is due largely to the four main activities in which the transformational leader engage: establishing a vision, providing meaning for employees through the building of a social architecture, maintaining organizational trust and placing emphasis on the importance of building employee self-esteem (Huber, 2006). Assessing My Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Style Problem-solving/decision-making is a very important aspect of the leadership process. Sullivan and Decker (2005) point out that leaders must be able to use critical thinking skills effectively when making decisions or attempting to solve problems. This means, being able to make assumptions, interpret and evaluate data, explore alternatives, identify information, and analyze and question implications for each solution. When I am faced with a problem, I have a tendency to make decision based on my intuition and experience. For example, if I had a patient who was agitated and my care plan is not meeting  the needs of the patient, I would be tempted to solve the problem by asking for help from a supervisor or a coworker. In some cases, I would also rely on past experiences and try methods that I have used with other patients. On one occasion I had a patient who had a pressure ulcer and complained a lot about lying on her side. However, I could not allow the patient to lay on her back because it would make her condition worse. To solve this problem, I tried other methods such as distracting her through the television, talking, use a pillow or reading a story to get her to minimize and not focus on the discomfort. In some cases, I also engage in trial-and-error for some patients for whom the normal care procedure may be insufficient in achieving desired results. However, I also used an organized method to solve problems that do not require immediate action. For example, if I am having problems with a co-worker, I would define the problem, identify the source of the problem, and then choose a number of solutions that would best address the problem. For each solution, I would also assess the alternatives, the advantages/disadvantages of each solution and their short-term and long-term implications. Assessing My Ability to Set Priorities Setting priority is an important facet of everyday life, whether dealing with families, work or play. I believe that I am proficient in setting priorities because I set priorities based on whether the decisions I make will achieve the intended goals. For example, during my college years, I decided that it was crucial for me to work while attending school. While my larger goal is to earn a degree so that I can achieve upward mobility, my number one priority is to be efficient on the job and fulfil my work responsibilities. This means that if my school schedule should conflict with my job responsibilities, I would rather make the necessary change to my school schedule. This is because school is a long-term goal whereas my current employment facilitates that long-term goal by providing me with an income as well as experience that would enhance my future endeavors. Thus, one way that I set priorities is based on the importance of activities, tasks or responsibilities. I also set priorities based on the time-sensitiveness of the task. Because I set priorities based on the utility of the task, action or event to my short-term and long-term goals, I tend to rely more on strategy than on emotions when prioritizing. However, I  am able to modify my plans based on extenuating circumstances. Refining a plan, for example, may become necessary when an earlier plan does not go as intended. I am therefore open to reassessing my plans and making revisions to make them more effective and goal-oriented. Assessing My Delegation Skills Sullivan and Decker (2005) define delegation as a â€Å"process by which responsibility and authority for performing a task (function, activity, or decision), is transferred to another individual who accepts that authority and responsibility† (p.144). Delegating a task is an indication to the other person that you are placing your confidence in him or her regarding their competence and trustworthiness to effectively perform the task. When I am about to delegate a task to someone there are a number of questions that I ask myself. These include: what is the task to be delegated? What is the complexity or simplicity of the task? How much decision making is involved in completing the task? I possess excellent critical thinking skills and is able to analyze information effectively. For this reason I believe that I am good at delegating task. I usually consider the individual experience with the specific issue, the individual’s background with similar tasks, the personâ€℠¢s reliability and on-task behavior as well as the emotional maturity required for the task. Assessing my Communication Skills To facilitate team work in the transformational leadership setting, it is important to have an effective communication system that provides complete and accurate exchange of information that guides decision (Conrad & Poole, 2005). Tate (2005) observes that to be proactive, the leader needs to use clear language when interacting with coworkers and knowing how to listen to others, including staff and patients (Tate, 2005). Tomey (2004) indicates that communication is a process which involves giving and receiving information through verbal exchanges, gestures, writing, and the use of technology. I consider myself to be fairly competent in the area of communication. For example, I have good interpersonal communication skills. I can read body language, facial expression and can use these modes of communication to get desired results. I am also competent in oral and written communication. I am able to articulate my ideas and have sufficient vocabulary to have meaningful exchanges with others. I am also good at  making others understand my stance on certain issues. I am also able to use technology such as a computer and a phone to communicate. For example, I can send e-mails, use an online chat room, send a text message. Assessing my Conflict Resolution Style According to Sullivan and Decker (2005), conflict management is a time consuming and difficult process. To resolve conflicts, management has to listen to both sides of the issues and identify compatible solutions. Based on this assessment, I believe that I possess good conflict resolution skills since I am always willing to listen to others’ position before reacting. I am also good at negotiating. Sullivan and Decker (2005) indicate that the purpose of negotiation is to achieve agreement. My desire to avoid confrontations that can be distracting and unproductive, provides with a keen sense of looking for common grounds on which people can find agreement. Also, I emphasize the importance of diversity when dealing with others so that people can understand that having different ideas or ways of thinking does not have to cause conflicts. As a result my key strategy is to use collaboration in which I encourage others to find ways of working together to achieve shared goals. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses / Plan of Action Two areas in which I consider myself to be proficient or competent are decision-making/problem solving and delegation. However, I have deficits in the area of communication and conflict resolution. In the area of communication, I have difficulty in the transmission of the message due to having a strong accent which makes my speech difficult to understand at times. To address this issue, I will see a speech therapist to assist me with pronunciation and speech rate. This is very important because a leader has to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary healthcare environment that requires others to quickly understand what he or she has to say. In the area of conflict resolution, I tend to take the â€Å"flight into fantasy† approach, which involves thinking about something else in order to be protected from stress. The consequence of this is that it does not address the needs of the parties. To overcome this problem, I will try to incorporate the confrontation approach. This approach allows the leader to deal with the  issue and put it to rest (Sullivan and Decker, 2005). As a democratic leader ,I will effectively seek to bring together the synergy of my subbordinates in order to achieve our specific objectives.It is imperative that as a leader I strive to approach my leadership style in a comprehensive and transformational manner.My decision making will aplly critical thinking skills in order to solve problem.Priority setting,goal delegations and conflict resolution are pertinent to my leadership style and objective. References Conrad, C. & Poole, M.S. (2005). Strategic Organizational Communication in a Global Community (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Huber, D.L. (2006). Leadership and Nursing Care Management (3rd ed.). Pennsylvania: Saunders Elsevier. McGoldrick, T.B., Menschner, E.F. & Pollock, M.L. (2001). Nurturing the transformation from staff nurse to leader. Holistic Nursing Practice (16)1, 16-20. Sullivan, E.J. & Decker, P.J. (2005). Effective Leadership & Management in Nursing (6th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Tate, C.W. (2005). Leadership in Nursing. New York: Churchill Livingstone. Tomey, A.M. (2004). Guide to Nursing Management and Leadership (7th ed). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby.

Benjamin Banneker Analysis Essay

Benjamin Banker shifts from respectful to cynical using allusion, repetition, and negative diction to prove that since all men are created equal, slavery must come to an end. Allusion provides examples for the author and is used to assist the reader with relating to and understanding a point or message. It makes the reader feel connected, and think along the lines of the author. Banker alludes to the Declaration ofIndependence to remind Jefferson of the equality of all American men. This strategy acts as a reminder, and shows Jefferson that he, Banker, is intelligent and aware of his rights. Allusion is also used in the letter when Banker refers to Job, and his advice to his friends about enlarging their hearts with kindness. Thus, explaining how Banker wants Jefferson to feel toward slavery while still maintaining respect. Next, to illustrate the shift in tone, Banker uses repetition.Repetition acts as a sound strategy, reminding the reader of an idea or thought. In this letter, the word â€Å"Side is repeated six times. This is done as a sign of respect toward Jefferson. Repetition of â€Å"sir† sticks in the readers mind and illustrates the principle of status in eighteenth century America and the lack of equality between men. The utilization of negative diction is powerful, and can alter the feelings of the reader. This strategy transformed the initial tone of respect to a cynical tone.Banker for example, uses the words â€Å"groaning captivity', â€Å"cruel oppression†, and â€Å"fraud† to describe slavery and to convey an inhumane and cynical feel. These words make the reader portray Jefferson, and slavery, in a negative light. These three strategies that Banker utilizes show how Jefferson own words that â€Å"all men are created equal† contradict the actions of America, by slavery being allowed. Each strategy alters the thoughts and emotions of the reader, swaying the, to agree with Banker and his liberating beliefs.

Solution of Global Warming within Pacific Northwest Essay

Solution of Global Warming within Pacific Northwest - Essay Example A sufficient water supply is essential for energy production, agriculture, and ecosystems in the region.   The better part of the area's water is contained naturally in winter snowpacks located in the high areas. The snowpack heats up and flows into rivers sometime in spring and summer when there is insufficient rainfall. Climate change is a threat to the natural storage, and significant influence will be on the timing of water availability in streams and rivers all year round.Increased winter temperatures are predicted to result into more precipitation as rainfall in place of snow. Consequently, there will be a decrease in snow accumulation. The currently available April 1st snowpack, which is evidence of natural water availability for the warm season is predicted to decline by a high of 40 % by the year 2040. The reduction in the level of snowpack and ultimately water will most likely lead to drought in the summer season. Higher temperatures are predicted to result into more prec ipitation falling as rainfall. Consequently, the winter storm will rise. The changes would lead to winter flood risks.  Changing river flows will strain water management and deepen current demand for water. Water uses in the Northwest currently include hydropower, agricultural irrigation, municipal uses, and protection of the environment.   An increase in temperatures and population results in demand and strain on water supply. A decrease in summer stream flows results into reduced supply in electricity.

Trans Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease Article

Trans Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease - Article Example They can cause several diseases including diabetes and CHD. Analysis of evidence derived from dietary trials, experimental research studies, and prospective observational researches leads to the conclusion that trans fatty acids consumed when they are obtained from partially hydrogenated oils yield no nutritional benefits but are harmful for health. Eliminating the use of partially hydrogenated oils from the food products is not easy for the food manufacturers in America, though other countries provide examples of successful replacement of the use of trans fatty acids in partially hydrogenated oils with the use of cis unsaturated fats because this helps the food manufacturers make foods healthier without bearing more cost or compromising upon the quality or quantity of the food products. Health care providers should advocate limiting of the use of trans fats. Reduced intake of trans fat would bring many health benefits for the society and reduce heart diseases in the

Illegal Immigration in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Illegal Immigration in America - Essay Example Therefore, this problem has not started in recent years. It has been there over the centuries. America is referred to as a land of opportunities and because of its generosity to immigrants, more and more immigrants want to live and reap the American dream. However, the issue becomes a problem due to many illegal immigrants into the country who have no documentation on how they entered into the country (Hanson et al.). Illegal immigration to America is a complex issue due to several factors. There have been attempts to control the population of illegal immigrants in the country but still, no answer. The number of aliens residing in the US is not precisely known, hence it has been a problem determining how large and widespread the problem is. It becomes a challenge because we cannot determine where to start while we know nothing about their whereabouts (Haugen and Musser 2011). Therefore, the complexity of this issue is one that needs close supervision so as to come up with new ideas on how this issue can be solved because it has proved that it is a problem on the American economy and the contemporary society. On a sociological perspective, note that sociology is the study of social change, social life and the social causes and consequences of human behavior; illegal immigration is one of the ills of the society today. The population of illegal immigrants grows over 500,000 people every year, which is exploited by criminals involved in smuggling illegal documents as well as trafficking aliens into the US borders. Furthermore, these aliens drain social services because of the conditions they live in, work and thus it becomes hard for them to abide by the law. Thus, they are prevalent to become under class and more so the source of social conflicts (Hanson et al.). Employment opportunities have deteriorated over time, which affects American citizens due to illegal immigrants. These aliens have led to competition for the available jobs with the American

Images of the Art and Science of Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Images of the Art and Science of Nursing - Essay Example 1). Nursing as a science involves the scientific and theoretical explanation of certain phenomena. It observes, identifies, describes, and experiments on issues affecting the delivery of health. On the other hand, nursing as an art is the humanistic and creative application of the result of science. Basavanthappa (2004) identified that the art of clinical nursing is directed into four main goals: (1) understanding the patient’s condition, situation, or need, (2) enhancement of patient’s capability, (3) improvement of patient’s condition following a medical plan, and (4) prevention of remission and exacerbations which may cause anxiety, disability, or stress (p. 1). Contemporary nursing has evolved to a learned discipline and profession that combines the science and art of caring. Nursing combines scientific body of knowledge derived from primitive beliefs to high technology era and humanistic caring. Nursing focuses on the client’s response to illness, pro motes health, and assists clients to move to a higher level of wellness. Nursing also provide care and assistance during a terminal illness by providing comfort and preserving dignity during the end-phase of life (White, 2005, p. 41). The development of nursing as a science and an art is traced through its rich history, array of visual images, and influence of social factors. Image Selection To further describe the art and science of nursing, six images were selected which depicted the historical and modern concept of the art and science of nursing. Among the images chosen are of Florence Nightingale, patient settings during Crimean War, nurse-patient ratio during early times, contemporary nurse-patient interaction, operating room scenario, and health informatics in nursing. The images are described below: A. Florence Nightingale Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) pioneered the concept of modern nursing. She was also credited for uplifting the standards of nursing and developing nursi ng as a science and an art. Nightingale persistently advocated cleanliness, good nutrition, and fresh air as well as the reform in health care (White, 2005, p. 44). During this time, nurses, care for the wounded around the clock with the oil lamps along them to light their way in the darkness. Similarly, this oil lamp represents Nightingale for she was able to give light to the darkness of caring and implemented scientific and artistic caring. Through Florence Nightingale’s principles, nursing practice and environmental modifications resulted in reduced morbidity and mortality rates during the war. (White, 2005, p. 44) She also worked to gain the public’s approval in producing well-educated nurses and for the concepts that were still used today such as a systematic method of assessing clients, individualized care based on the client’s need and preferences, and confidentiality (White, 2005, p. 45). Nightingale is one of the most outstanding figures that truly ill ustrated the foundation of scientific and artistic nursing. (Image retrieved from http://i.acdn.us/image/A6732/67325/300_67325.jpg) B. The Crimean War The outbreak of war in the Crimea, a peninsula on the north shore of the Black Sea from 1854 to 1856 marked the historical evolution of nursing practice and the birth of scientific and artistic nursing. War casualties outrageously increase and the British government became the consistent subject of national criticism. In light

Should the USA continue its policy of encouraging less developed Essay

Should the USA continue its policy of encouraging less developed countries to adopt democracy and capitalism - Essay Example This is because democracy offers citizens greater political stability, enhanced quality of living, greater individual liberty as well as freedom from any governmental violence. By adopting capitalism, the citizens of less developed countries are able to benefit from the fact that capitalism tends to greatly promote competition and innovation. Capitalism can offer the citizens of less developed countries more choices as well as the very best opportunities that they can be able to use to improve their living standards. These factors are seen to the fostering of greater economic freedom. Another key benefit of promoting capitalism in the less developed countries is that not only does capitalism foster competition, it also benefits these countries as it spurs the companies within them to innovate and develop far better products that will cause for there to be more goods and services in the market a factor that helps in keeping the prices of commodities at low levels. Democratic political systems often tend to enjoy far greater prosperity over longer time periods as compared to other systems. As democracy spreads, more individuals in less developed countries are likely to start enjoying greater economic benefits. While authoritarian regimes are able to compile impressive short-run economic records, they are rarely able to sustain these rates of growth for long time

Principles of psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Principles of psychology - Essay Example On one side, there are a majority of biological factors, which influence our development. The first comes from our genetic programming. Our genes, which are passed from parent to offspring, lay the template for the development of the biological components in psychology. If there are any abnormalities in the proteins, this can cause problems with the development of tissues and organs. As a result, this can affect behavior. For example, there has long been an association with the development of schizophrenia with a genetic component. As a result, this genetic abnormality causes the psychological disorder. In the case of this and many other physiological abnormalities, these are inherent to the person and can rarely be changed. The conditions can be fulfilled using custodial medications, which are meant to control and relieve the symptoms; however there are very few treatments available that can modify the physiological abnormalities. The other side consists of molding and experiences t hat are taken from the environment, which shape a person’s cognitive abilities. Aspects such as intelligence and cognitive processing are said to be a result of a child’s learning as they progress through life.

Critically Assess the Difference between Labour Standards and Labour Assignment

Critically Assess the Difference between Labour Standards and Labour Rights with Reference to the Work of the International Lab - Assignment Example Introduction The United Nations was established in 1945 to maintain global peace, â€Å"to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom†.1 It discharges its functions effectively through the working of a number of specialized organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) that aims to reduce hunger and poverty by developing agriculture and â€Å"providing healthy dietary intake†2 , the World Health Organization (WHO) that strives for the control and eradication of diseases, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that works for monetary cooperation among nations and many more.3 One such organization is th e International Labour Organization (ILO) that promotes social justice for laborers and aims to elevate the standards of labor rights and practices. ... bor compensation, social insurance, paid vacation, safety of industrial workers, employment service and labor inspection†.5 The achievements of the ILO in the pursuit of its objectives have been many like the ‘Tripartite Meeting on Safety and Health’ in the fishing industry in 1998-99 that set safety standards for fishermen.6 However, the deviation of the actual labor standards in comparison to the labor rights stated by the ILO is a subject seeking great evaluation. In this context, research in labor policies initiated by the ILO is of considerable relevance. The paper will presently address this problem of divergence of labor practices from the standard labor rights given by ILO. Labour Standards of the ILO The labor standards theoretically stated by the ILO are reflective of its objectives and goals but whether or not these standards are applied in reality, in case of all member nations, is debatable. Statement of Labour Rights In 1995, five broad fundamental ri ghts were identified by the ILO, addressing men, women and children workers of the world. They are freedom of association, right to organize and bargain collectively, freedom from forced labor, right to equal remuneration and non-discrimination in employment and the abolition of child labor.7 Freedom of Association implies that workers have the right to associate with one another and form unions or groups for the pursuit of a common objective or goal. The common objective is usually something aimed at improving the conditions of work for the laborers.8 Freedom to organize and bargain collectively states that the workers have the right to organize themselves into trade unions and other organizations. Collective bargaining occurs between these bodies and the management of a company on a variety of issues