Through this interview with a nurse that I know who I feel encompasses all the characteristics of a leader, I learned that there are multiple different types of leadership. I would consider this individual a “silent” leader, who leads more by example. A leader does not have to be loudest or most controversial person in the room. Her characteristics line up pretty similarly with mine, so it was interesting to hear how she sees herself as a leader. This individual has been working at the same hospital on the same floor for around 20 years. Over that time, she created strong bonds with her coworkers, creating a close-knit unit. She expresses to me that this has both positive and negative effects on her role as an informal leader on the floor. In times of conflict, she explains that it can sometimes be difficult to confront such a great friend. In that case, she communicates her concerns with a formal leader on the floor including the nurse manager or nurse educator and they can address the situation. On a positive note, having colleagues that double as friends make work more fun and allow for easier collaboration.

This nurse has adequate social and self-awareness both in and outside of the workplace. She is always considering the feelings of other individuals which I expect carries over to practice with both coworkers and patients. Although she is self-aware in the fact that she is aware of how her actions will affect others, I do not believe she understands how positive her impact in on others. She does not give herself enough credit when it comes to being a leader. I was surprised when I had to elaborate on questions that were specific to being a leader. However, I believe that the best leaders are the ones who don’t even know that they are leader. She portrays herself in a way where others want to follow in her footsteps and be like her.

Her timid responses about considering herself a leader resonated with me and is something that I will remember once I enter clinical practice. It showed me that these informal leaders who leader more by example need to be told about their impact on their peers because they may not even know that they are seen as a leader. I am going to make a point to acknowledge individuals like her. It is important that these individuals understand how they are portrayed and valued in the workplace. Following this interview, it strengthened my respect for this individual even more than it already was. Her humbleness about being a leader in the workplace is something that I admire. I hope to work more closely with her as I approach clinical practice to leader even more from her. Leaders come in all different forms. It is important that we recognize this and do not discredit the “silent” leaders like this extraordinary individual that I interviewed.