By Cody Campbell and AAPACN
Leadership pioneer and scholar, Warren Bennis once said, “Leadership is the capacity to translate a vision into reality.” This quote inspires in moments of stress and anxiety related to work, and all nurse leaders can utilize this statement for effective change in their facilities.
Leaders must have a vision for whatever area they lead. For a CEO/COO, a corporate representative, a facility-level leader, or a department head, vision is the first step in success. A vision is required for strategic planning, goal setting, and follow-through, regardless of adversity.
To identify a vision, a leader can follow these three steps:
- Consider the facility’s values and goals. For example, high quality of life and care for all residents. Being a company where people love to work.
- Think about what needs improvement. For example, employee retention, infection prevention and control, staff morale, regulatory compliance, etc.
- Start with a goal to achieve. For example, implement an employee-first culture by the end of the year. Hire an infection preventionist and revisit hygiene expectations by the second quarter. Try three new ways to boost morale by Thanksgiving. Develop a plan to receive zero citations at the next survey.
To implement a vision, a leader must:
- Be willing to roll up his or her sleeves and help make the vision a reality.
- Get buy-in from the team that the vision can be a reality and win their support.
- Understand the changes he or she is asking of their team and how it will impact them.
Do you have a clearly defined vision in your role as nurse leader? Take some time as 2023 begins to tap into your leadership potential. Seek out a leader that inspires you, talk to them about your vision, ask for advice, and get started. By creating your vision, you can personally grow as a leader and so will the people you have the honor of leading.