Leadership In The Hospital Setting

In the hospital setting we have a melting pot of different characteristics that blend together to perform top quality patient care. Individuals that are always on time, doing everything appropriately, caring, passionate, and responsible make the hospital departments whole. Often asked what the difference between leaders and managers is, and what exact power do they have? Leadership is defined as, “An individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (Ricketts, 2009). Management is described as, “An individual that exercises executive, administrative, and supervisory direction of a group or organization” (Rickett, 2009). The hospital needs both of these characteristics in order for the department to be efficient, effective, …show more content…
In my opinion mangers need to develop a close and loyal group of supervisors and sub-managers. This will help establish the manager’s plan for how he wants the department ran. If the management team is made up of individual who’s common goal is not the same it could really affect the department. The problem with this is how the department handles the policies and procedures that the management team has implemented. If the employees disagree with the management team this is when they will look at their “leader,” to be the voice of the department. I have noticed the difference between how managers and leader handle problems. Managers look to fix problems as soon as possible. I have found this happen multiple times during equipment selection. Equipment selection in my opinion may be the most important part in the hospital setting. We are looking for the worker friendly, fastest, and most effective way to either treat a patient or mange a process. If the equipment does not meet your employees expectation than that effects the departments enthusiasm in performing the procedure. Leaders seem to be more patient when it comes to these ideas. Zaleznik (2004) describe leader’s attitudes towards goals, “Leaders adopt a personal and active attitude toward goals. Leaders are always looking for ways to improve the system …show more content…
From personal experiences I have found it best to describe these individuals as separate. In the department there are times when you go to the manager and the leaders. Opinions, ideas, questions, or just someone to chat with can usually be accomplished with a leader. Schedule, paycheck, complaints, and punishing is when you talk to a manager. I have seen firsthand that the leader can make a change in the department. “A leader may have strong ideas about what a finished product should be; a manager will organize people and resources to make it happen” (Emigh 2015). A leader can make the manager aware of the problem but that does not mean a solution will be reached. In order to be effective, leaders need to voice their ideas in the department that excites people and develop choices that give the department excitement (Zaleznik, 2004). Leaders can be effective it just takes their voice overhead with the backing of the department. This doesn’t mean to start a riot in the department. I think developing a close relationship with the department manager and seeing their view can mold the employee relationship. I have found that creating a relationship with your manager will create trust and improve their feelings in terms of the process. If you constantly strive to be a better employee that takes on responsibility the manager will take notice and this is when you become a