440V-Combining Nurse Leader with Advocacy.docx - Running...

Running head: COMBINING NURSE LEADER WITH ADVOCACY 1
Combining Nurse Leader with Advocacy
Grand Canyon University: NRS-440VN
2017

COMBINING NURSE LEADER WITH ADVOCACY
Combining Nurse Leader with Advocacy
Everyone wonders what kind of leader they will be. It is easy to criticizes those
that are in charge and think we could do a better job, but could we? There are some common
characteristics of good leaders such as good communication, fosters inquiry, compassion,
professional pride, solution oriented, and committed to the team (Morgan, 2010). My father
always told me you can learn something from everyone, even if it’s not how to act. I have carried
this with me my whole life, and I think it has enabled me to keep a certain perspective towards
the bad leaders I have encountered. One of my favorite quotes is from Aristotle, “He who cannot
be a good follower cannot be a good leader.”
A good way to discover one’s strengths and weaknesses is though the “Nurse Manager
Skills Inventory". This tool is designed to be completed by a manager, she then shares it with her
supervisor and together they design a career pathway (American Association of Critical-Care
Nurses [AACN] and American Association of Nurse Executives [AONE], 2006). The following
paper discusses my strength and weaknesses in four areas, how I will use leadership skills to
advocate change, and identify one personal goal.
Personal and Professional Accountability
Creating a good leader begins with understanding oneself. “Personal mastery is a critical
component for leadership success. Outstanding leaders demonstrate self-confidence and are able
to trust and empower others” (Sherman & Pross, 2010, p.4). The results of this section surprised