Reflection Article

Nanette Barry

MHA 542

October 17, 2022

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Abstract

Leaders are crucial for any organization. They have the ability to set the tone and culture

of the organization and make sure that everyone is following the same standards. If done

correctly, leaders can help increase productivity and make the company successful. Leadership

is essential for any organization. It is the glue that binds the team together and allows them to

work cooperatively. It is through leadership that an organization can achieve its goals and

objectives.

Leaders should be able to recognize when their employees are going off the rails and

take the necessary steps to correct the situation. They must be able to motivate their team and

keep them on track. It is also important that they be able to make sound decisions on behalf of

the organization. They set the tone, provide a vision, and provide direction. Without a clear

leader, an organization can quickly fall apart. The course provided many robust resources to

find ones custom leadership compass one in particular was “Finding your true north: A Personal

Guide”. In this article we reflect on newly emerged insights on authentic leadership and

teaming as well as specific resources.

The Article

Through the course I have been able to fine tune and understand at a deeper level the

aforementioned. I have been able to further substantiate my understanding while at the same time

widening the scope of my fundamental understanding of core leadership styles, traits and

strategies. I understand that I excel at hard work, completing deliverables and transparency.

Through the course I really understand that many of my traits can be improved particularly
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communication. Prior to the course I did not truly understand the necessity of communication

especially for a leader. According to research on leadership styles, the best leadership style to

adopt depends on the personality of the leader, the maturity of the followers, and the demands of

the situation (Zulch, 2014). A competent leader will be able to change their leadership style or

approach depending on the situation. In the appropriate circumstance, any one of the styles may

be successful. Although the preferred method of communication may vary from leader to leader

and from project to project, interpersonal communication is still an essential component of

leadership (Zulch, 2014). Leaders take the helm by communicating well (Barrett, 2006). The

understanding and trust required to persuade people to follow a leader are enabled, fostered, and

created by individuals with effective communication abilities. A manager doesn't do much

without good communication. A manager cannot be a good leader without excellent

communication (Barrett, 2006).

As a health care worker, one of the most important skills you can possess is a strong

relationship management skills. Effective communication is key to building strong relationships,

and being able to manage difficult situations is essential. Through the course I have ascertained

that one needs to be able to understand your teams needs and be able to deliver on what they’ve

agreed for you to do. Specifically I drew upon this conclusion from “Finding Your True North”.

This personal guide, which is based on Bill George's best-selling book True North, gives leaders

a thorough process for determining their particular "True North." (George et al, 2011) The guide

provides specific activities that assist leaders focus on the goal of their leadership and enhance

their true leadership abilities, as well as techniques for personal introspection (George et al,

2011).
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Professional relationship management skills are essential for any organization. Without

them, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with clients or other stakeholders.

These skills can help to ensure that all interactions are productive and that goals are met.

Through reflection I have came to the understanding that how I engage specific types of

stakeholders differs and that there are certain stages of development in a professional

relationship. Prior to the course I would tend to come off as too brazen or familiar while

communicating professionally.

Culture is extremely important in healthcare. It helps shape a person’s worldview, and

affects their decision making. Culture can also act as a barrier to communication, and make it

difficult for patients and providers to understand each other. It is important for healthcare

providers to be aware of the role that culture plays in their patients’ lives, and to use that

knowledge to provide the best possible care.

Cultures never stay the same. They adapt and change through time and space in a

continuous process of flux and bargaining (Kalaitzi et al, 2019). Culture must always be viewed

in its specific context, which includes socioeconomic aspects among others. Along those lines,

it's critical to consider how societal and professional contexts interact across cultural divides in

various nations. In each setting and culture, the leadership prism manifests itself in a unique way

(Kalaitzi et al, 2019). Women are often undervalued in the health care system, which can lead to

a plethora of issues. Through proper leadership I would endeavor to create a healthcare setting

that is healthy both for patients but also professional women.

Although women make up the vast majority of healthcare workers, they are

disproportionately underrepresented in leadership roles, especially at the executive and board

levels (Fontenot, 2012). But women are well suited to use qualities like empathy, openness, and
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the capacity to encourage cooperation to guide businesses into the next stage of modern

healthcare delivery. In the future, the pace with which women gain access to the C-suite will

accelerate as organizations embrace diversity and select the best qualified leaders in terms of

both experience and leadership style that supports organizational culture (Fontenot, 2012).

Through the course I have equipped myself with the understanding required of me

fundamentally to join this next wave. Traits and understanding of proper workplace culture in

order to be effective exponentially.

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References

Barrett, D. (2006). Leadership communication: A communication approach

for senior-level managers.

Barry, N (2022). Reflection Article. MHA 452. University of Phoenix

Fontenot, T. E. R. I. (2012). Leading ladies: women in healthcare

leadership.

Frontiers of health services management, 28(4), 11-21.

George, B., McLean, A., & Craig, N. (2011). Finding your true north: A

personal guide (Vol. 156). John Wiley & Sons.

Kalaitzi, S., Czabanowska, K., Azzopardi-Muscat, N., Cuschieri, L., Petelos,

E.,

Papadakaki, M., & Babich, S. (2019). Women, healthcare leadership

and societal culture: a qualitative study. Journal of healthcare

leadership, 11, 43.

Zulch, B. (2014). Leadership communication in project management.

Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 119, 172-181.