Nursing Leadership
In the contemporary world, many people are unable to differentiate leaders from managers despite the existence of many distinctions between the two. That is the case given the overlap in the organizational competencies held by both leaders and managers (Jennings, Scalzi, Rodgers, & Keane, 2007). In essence, this discussion aims at offering personal insights, views, and experiences about the existent distinction between leaders and managers in areas of influences.
Primarily, my opinion about this issue is that leaders and managers are distinct, but both share certain characteristics. Central to my viewpoint is the observation in my organization in which I have seen nurses not in any form of managerial positions able to inspire others to work towards achieving the organizational goals. Moreover, in my observation, other nurses are only able to reach this outcome when they are in managerial positions. Individuals of this kind are what Kelly, and Tazbir, (2014) identified as managers while those who inspire others to achieve organizational goals as leaders. Such an observation indicates that leaders and managers are distinct given the difference in approaches adopted. However, it also depicts a striking similarity between the two given that despite the difference in approaches the ultimate goal is the same. Clearly, with such an illustration, it is beyond doubt why I hold such a viewpoint about leaders and managers.
Lastly, in my work experience, I have also come across persons that are either leaders or managers and not both. That is the case given that I have interacted with individuals who are either more concerned with results or forging relationships. The people motivated by results are managers while those that aim at forming relationships are leaders (Marquis, & Huston, 2015). Based on this experience, it is apparent what shapes my stance on the distinctness between the two entities.
In conclusion, from this analysis, it is beyond doubt that managers and leaders have different competencies. As such, going into the future, nurses must establish these differences if they are to assume these roles appropriately.
References
Jennings, B. M., Scalzi, C. C., Rodgers, J. D., & Keane, A. (2007). Differentiating nursing leadership and management competencies. Nursing Outlook, 55(4), 169-175.
Kelly, P., & Tazbir, J. (2014). Essentials of nursing leadership & management. Clifton Park, NY: Cengage Learning.
Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2015). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
