Authentic Leadership Transforms Nursing Teams and Patient Care
I believe that words matter, so as I thought about the word “authentic” as it relates to nurses, I started with the definition:
Adjective 1. Not false or copied; genuine; real: 2. Representing one’s true nature or beliefs; true to oneself or to the person identified
Authentic nurse leadership involves showing your true self, not a perfect, filtered version. This allows your team members to be authentic as well, and helps you to build relationships based on mutual respect and trust. I have interviewed many executives and one of the questions I ask is, “Do you think you are the smartest person in a room?” I ask this because I want them to understand that being a leader doesn’t mean you know more than anyone else or that you have all the answers. Being an authentic leader means that you listen to your team members, you respect what they have to say, and you are willing to learn from them.
Why is Authentic Nurse Leadership Important?
Authentic leadership in nursing not only promotes nurse retention, resilience and self-efficacy, but also elevates patient care. But what does it mean to lead authentically? At its heart, authentic leadership is about self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It involves understanding your own principles, values and beliefs, and taking the time to learn about those of your team and the patients you serve. This mutual understanding shapes how you lead and helps to create a healthier, more trusting work environment.
As a nurse leader, I have always wanted to be as authentic as possible, demonstrating to the nurses I lead that I am human. I make mistakes. I have to take time to reflect and make adjustments. I want to model to my team that self-awareness and the ability to pivot and learn from mistakes is part of the growth process. As a leader, I have always tried to be approachable and to be a good listener. When I started as the new CNO for one of the companies I worked for, the first meeting with my team was titled “Bring a Flamingo to the Meeting.” Adding humor helped everyone to relax and have fun while meeting their new CNO.
How Can Nurse Leaders Cultivate a More Authentic Leadership Style?
As nurse leaders, we sometimes feel the pressure to put on a perfect face for the nurses we lead—never showing vulnerability or asking for help. We believe that being “professional” means that we don’t reveal our emotions or personal feelings, never acknowledge mistakes or ask for feedback. Authentic leadership requires courage. It asks you to be real, to connect on a human level, and to cultivate an environment where your team feels safe to do the same.
According to an article referenced in Nursing Management, there are four foundational components of authentic leadership:
Seek honest feedback and engage in mindful self-reflection. Self-reflection allows you to manage emotions, assess decision-making processes, acknowledge mistakes and collaborate with team members to identify alternative solutions.
Be fair and ethical. Teams closely observe how leaders behave and treat everyone, so consistently acting in a moral, ethical and fair manner builds lasting trust.
Make informed decisions. Don’t make assumptions or act before you have all the facts. Consult with peers or experts if necessary to gain a better understanding of a situation.
Be transparent. Sharing your thought processes openly helps your team members understand the “why” behind your decisions, even the tough ones.
Authentic Leadership Creates Long-Lasting Positive Impacts
Authentic leadership transforms the entire work culture and elevates patient care. When nurse leaders model self-awareness, fairness, and honesty, their teams feel supported and valued. There is greater team collaboration, more open communication, and the risk for burnout is reduced. When nurses feel more confident, heard, and emotionally safe, they are able to devote more energy to caring for patients.
Ready to Elevate Your Leadership Skills?
If you want to become a more authentic leader, look for information coming soon about my Kaleidoscope Executive Leadership Coaching program. This program is designed to equip Chief Nursing Officers and Directors of Nursing with the tools, strategies and inspiration to navigate leadership roles with clarity and confidence.