If we want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness.Malala Yousafzai
Imagine having a conversation with Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel laureate and advocate for girls' education. As a support worker in aged care, you may wonder how your role relates to hers. You'd be surprised to find that leadership, in any capacity, shares common principles - a dedication to a cause, the power of effective communication, and the drive to make a positive impact.
Malala's relentless pursuit of education for all can inspire you to lead by example in aged care, advocating for the well-being and dignity of the elderly. In this topic, we'll delve into how these leadership principles are not limited to famous figures like Malala but can also be applied in your daily work. You, too, can be a leader, making a profound difference in the lives of the elderly residents you serve. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to lead in your unique way! In this module, you will learn the following:
- The basics of leadership
- Leadership and teamwork
- Performing routine observations
- Assisting in medication management
- Effective communication in challenging situations
- Leadership skills and qualities
Activity - Leadership Skills: Words to Know
Here are some common words you will come across in this module.
Correctly match the following terms to their definition.
Leaders are not born. Leaders are made. Every good leader in history has a great leader as an example, a guide, and a mentor. This could be friends, family, co-workers or even strangers that inspire us to be better. A true leader will always see everyone as equals, believing in them, rescuing potential and empowering people so they not only learn but surpass. Do the activity below with a healthcare setting in mind.
The Concept of Leadership
So, what is leadership, and why is it important to you? Well, by definition, leadership is leading a group of people, but it is much more than that. There are many ways to lead, and there is no exact way to be a leader. There are, however, qualities that leaders have, and later in this topic will develop these qualities so you can excel not only in your role as a support worker but in everyday life, too. Leadership in healthcare can be shown in various roles, whether it be on the front lines of caregiving or behind the scenes in administration.
Watch: Leadership explained in 5 minutes by Simon Sinek (5:24)
Watch the following video about leadership. Take notes on what leadership is and how it's measured.
Using what you learned from the video, what are three ways you can show the qualities of a great leader in your everyday life?
Based on the video, Sinek states that people respond better to leaders they can trust. Trust needs to be built over time and is a process not to be rushed.
In the world of aged care in New Zealand, leadership is more important than ever. The challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and high staff turnover rates make strong leadership essential for the survival of long-term residential care facilities.
Strong leadership is vital in any organization, but it's particularly crucial in healthcare. It ensures clarity about roles, responsibilities, and boundaries among team members, benefiting everyone involved, including improving the quality of life for residents. Without good leadership, facilities can be disorganised, and staff may not provide the right care. This can harm vulnerable residents.
Leadership isn't tied to your job title, educational background, or position in an organisation. It can emerge at any level, from the highest executive to the newest team member. Leadership isn't about power and control; it's about inspiring, guiding, motivating, and encouraging people to use their skills and experiences for shared goals. But sometimes, people who are not leaders just become bosses when power is given to them.
Let’s look at the difference between a boss and a leader. Check out the list below and think about bosses and leaders in your work or personal life. Do they have more of a boss style or leadership style?
| Differences between a boss and a leader | |
|---|---|
| Boss | Leader |
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Leadership styles play a significant role in determining the outcomes and results within an organisation or team. Different leadership styles can have distinct effects on the performance, motivation, and overall success of individuals and the group as a whole. Here are some common leadership styles and their potential impact on results:
| Autocratic Leadership | In this style, the leader holds centralised authority and makes decisions without much input from others. While this approach can be effective in certain situations that require quick decisions and clear direction, it may stifle creativity and lead to disengagement among team members. |
|---|---|
| Democratic Leadership | This style involves involving team members in decision-making and encouraging collaboration. Democratic leaders value input from their team and create a sense of ownership and accountability. This approach often fosters a positive work environment and can lead to higher job satisfaction and productivity. |
| Transformational Leadership | Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their team members by setting a compelling vision and challenging them to excel. They encourage innovation, personal growth, and a strong commitment to shared goals, leading to higher levels of performance and organisational success. |
| Transactional Leadership | Transactional leaders focus on setting clear expectations and providing rewards or consequences based on performance. While this approach can be effective in managing routine tasks and ensuring compliance, it may not be as conducive to promoting creativity and long-term commitment. |
| Laissez-Faire Leadership | Laissez-faire leaders adopt a hands-off approach, providing little guidance or direction to their team. While this style may allow for individual autonomy and creativity, it can also lead to a lack of direction, coordination, and accountability. |
| Servant Leadership | Servant leaders prioritise the needs of their team members and aim to support their growth and well-being. By serving their team, these leaders create a positive and inclusive work environment, which often results in higher job satisfaction and performance. |
| Situational Leadership | Situational leaders adapt their leadership style based on the specific needs and readiness of their team members. This approach allows leaders to be flexible and responsive, catering to individual strengths and developmental areas. |
What kind of leader are you?
There are many leadership style quizzes online with reflective questions to find out what kind of leader you might be. Take some time to search for a quiz, or use this one to discover your leadership style.
Great leaders believe they work for their team, average leaders believe their team works for them.Alexander Den Heijer.
In the world of aged care support work, leadership and teamwork are like dynamic duos working together to create a happier and healthier environment for your residents. Being a great leader isn't about bossing others around but inspiring your colleagues to shine and give their best. It's all about creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone's unique skills and perspectives are celebrated. Teamwork is the glue that holds it all together. It's about clear communication, respect, and the eagerness to collaborate for one shared mission – making sure our elderly residents feel safe and loved.
As you continue working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. You need to demonstrate what it means to work collaboratively. “Working collaboratively” means working together with other people in a professional healthcare setting to achieve a common goal.
This skill is not only valuable in providing the best care for our elderly residents but is also a crucial aspect of your professional development. Here are some tips to help you:
- Active Participation: Actively engage in meetings by contributing your insights and listening attentively to the input from your fellow team members. Remember, every perspective matters.
- Effective Communication: Share relevant information and updates that contribute to the team's overall understanding of patient needs. Clear and open communication is the cornerstone of successful collaboration.
- Seek Input and Feedback: Don't hesitate to seek input and feedback from your colleagues on the best course of action for a patient. Collaborative decision-making ensures a more comprehensive approach to care.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Embrace the opportunity to collaborate with healthcare team members from various disciplines. Together, you can create care plans that address the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the patient.
- Holistic Approach: Be prepared to participate in joint assessments with team members from different disciplines. Share your expertise and insights to contribute to the holistic care of the patient.
- Sharing Knowledge: Engage in discussions where you can share knowledge, expertise, or best practices from different disciplines. Remember, learning from one another is a valuable part of the collaborative process.
- Open-Mindedness: Demonstrate a willingness to learn from other team members and integrate new approaches into your own practice. Every member brings unique strengths and knowledge to the table.
Reflection
As part of your learning experience, we're going to explore the dynamics of collaborative teamwork within a multidisciplinary healthcare context. In this activity, we won't be using a fictional scenario; instead, you'll reflect on your own past experiences. Please take a moment to recall a specific situation where you had to work collaboratively as part of a team. Reflect on your chosen experience and use the documentation tool to complete this.
Being a leader in your team is all about knowing the ins and outs of your team members' roles and responsibilities. You've got to understand the unique strengths and skills each person brings to the team. Let’s take a look at some of the roles and responsibilities of the multidisciplinary team you might work with as a support worker in aged care.
Here's a table outlining some example roles and responsibilities of a multidisciplinary team in aged care:
| Team member | Roles and responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Nurse |
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| Physiotherapist |
|
| Social Worker |
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| Nutritionist/Dietitian |
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| Occupational Therapist |
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| Activities Coordinator |
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| Support Worker |
|
Activity
Consider these roles and write down how each role contributes to team effectiveness. Record your answers in the documentation tool below. This will be very helpful in your assessment of this module.
