Empathy and perspective are two concepts well known Leadership author Simon Sinek speaks about in relation to leaders. He talks about the real job of a leader as not being in-charge but taking care of those in our charge. How many leaders play the blame and shame game when things don’t go as planned? Instead how would it be if leaders in aged care services worked in accordance with a Leader’s Oath. My version is noted below as an example.
You may want to create your own for your organisation, or adopt this.
The Leader’s Oath
I focus on the betterment of this organisation above my own career needs
I focus on accountability above the need to be popular
I focus on caring for those in my charge over being in charge
I focus on clarity above certainty
I share clear expectations
I hold myself accountable for all employees poor performance including my own
I welcome respectful challenges
I will table the tough issues
I treat all interactions as though my career depends on a successful outcome
I am committed to personal and professional development
I am focused on excellence.
While the above Leadership Oath forms a focus for clinical leadership, it’s necessary to make sure your nurses are familiar with the ARRC funding agreement responsibilities for Registered Nurses. These are also clearly defined in the HCSL policies and procedures to ensure they’re integrated into practice. The ARRC includes time-frames for nursing documentation responsibilities, while the nursing council guidelines for delegation define staff delegation of staff working under the supervision of Registered Nurses are appropriate led and supported. When we refer to tabling the touch issues, one key aspect of leadership is holding staff accountable. Nurses are often not keen to hold others responsible for their conduct and performance and therefore avoid performance managing staff when performance is below the expected standard. This in turn means the service provided will be below the expected standard. If you want to provide the best care and support to those in your care, these are skills you must learn and put into daily practice. To learn more about these skills and others needed for leading a team of care and support staff, go here.