Effective leadership in nursing is crucial for creating a positive work environment, promoting collaboration, and contributing to better patient outcomes. Different leadership styles can significantly influence the dynamics of a healthcare team and the overall care delivery.
Let’s take a look at the exploration of seven key leadership styles in nursing and the essential skills required:
- Democratic Leadership
Democratic leaders, also known as participative leaders, always involve their team members in decision-making processes. This type of leader encourages open communication, values diverse perspectives and delegates tasks effectively. This style fosters a sense of ownership and involvement among team members, which leads to increased motivation and job satisfaction. Skills required: Proficient in communication, active listening, delegation and conflict resolution.
- Autocratic Leadership
Autocratic leaders will make decisions on their own and provide clear instructions to their teams. While this style can be efficient in crises requiring quick decision-making, it can also lead to decreased morale if overused. Skills required: Decisiveness, clear communication and task management.
- Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders set ambitious goals to inspire and motivate their teams to achieve their full potential. This kind of leadership style fosters a sense of purpose and commitment to share common goals with their theme members. Skills required: Vision, charisma, inspirational communication, ability to build trust.
- Servant Leadership
Servant leaders put the needs of their team members’ needs above their own by focus on their well-being and development. High levels of employee satisfaction and retention result from this style’s ability to create a caring and supportive work environment. Skills required: Empathy, active listening, coaching, mentorship.
- Situational Leadership
Situational leaders will adapt their approach according to the skill level and development needs of their team members. This approach is flexible and allows leaders to perform better in varying situations. They may provide more directive guidance to new team members while delegating more responsibility to experienced nurses. Skills required: Adaptability, emotional intelligence, effective communication.
- Transactional Leadership
Transactional leaders focus on using clear expectations, performance management, rewards and penalties to manage their team. They make sure every team member follows the rules by giving rewards for good behavior and taking action when don’t comply. Skills required: Goal setting, performance management, accountability, clear communication.
- Laissez-faire Leadership
Laissez-faire leaders give their team a lot of freedom, providing minimal guidance. This approach works well when the team is highly skilled and experienced. However, clear communication about goals and expectations is essential to prevent confusion and ensure everyone stays on track. Skills required: Trust building, delegation, fostering a sense of ownership.
Developing The Leadership Potential
No matter your natural leadership style or if you prefer a mix of different approaches, there’s always room for growth and development. If you’re a nurse looking to boost your leadership skills, pursuing further education can be a big step forward.
The Power of Education: Master of Science in Clinical Nursing programmes Offered by King’s College London at Ngee Ann Academy
King’s College London, ranked No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 globally according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, offers a *Master of Science in Clinical Nursing programme that is tailored for nurses seeking to advance their careers and improve patient care. This 24-month, part-time programme adopts a blended learning approach, combining some classroom-based sessions at Ngee Ann Academy with online sessions to provide flexible learning options for healthcare professionals.
Through a partnership with Ngee Ann Academy, this programme provides research-informed higher education to qualified nurses, building a worldwide community of highly trained healthcare professional leaders. Beyond the core modules, students can have the flexibility to choose two elective modules from the options including “Clinical Leadership,” “Digital Health and Technology Solutions” and “Principles for Managing Long-Term Conditions.” These electives allow nursing students to customise their learning education to align with their career aspirations and goals.
“King’s College London has always been my number one choice for nursing. The decision to enrol in King’s MSc in Clinical Nursing programme stemmed from a desire to deepen and enhance my understanding of nursing practice. I learned about the programme through extensive research on reputable institutions offering continuing education programmes for nurses, coupled with recommendations from colleagues within the nursing community.
My motivation to pursue higher education in nursing was fuelled by a commitment to professional growth and also the recognition of the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape in Singapore. By advancing my education, I aim to expand my knowledge, refine my leadership abilities and hone my critical thinking skills to navigate complex healthcare situations effectively.”
- Ammar Malek, Senior Staff Nurse at Changi General Hospital
The education and research offered can help improve healthcare for people globally by delivering and developing future leaders and professionals in healthcare
but also drives significant advancements through rigorous research that enriches evidence-based practices. Contact Ngee Ann Academy Admissions Team today to learn more about the Master of Science in Clinical Nursing programme offered in collaboration with King’s College London.
*NB: The course is not accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) and does not lead to certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN).