The
Sparkle Theory of Leadership
September
2002
While
I attended this year's ENA Leadership Conference, I was able to glean
some valuable information. A particular "pearl" which caught
my interest was a lecture on leadership in which the "Sparkle
Theory" was discussed. (What a delightful description for a
leadership viewpoint.)
Although I am no longer a nurse manager, I still view myself as
a leader within the ENA organization and within my institution and
emergency department. I believe that all nurses are leaders in one way
or another and can benefit from this information.
The Sparkle Theory describes the qualities of a leader
to include but not be limited to
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self-discipline
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driven to purpose- focused
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accomplishment oriented
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knowledgeable
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ability to build relationships within your department and
organization at all job levels
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role model for standards
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proactive
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seeks improvements
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reduces complexity
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takes risks
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innovative
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verbalizes high expectations
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ability to compromise
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positive attitude
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motivational skills
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conviction in work ethics
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prioritize - determine what is important
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visionary- where are we headed ?
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flexibility
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sincere
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respectable
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touchable
The mark of a good leader in
nursing is one who inspires others to "get in the boat and row in
the same direction". Each nurse should be contributing to those
efforts and also demonstrating those same leadership skills towards
the departmental and facility goals.
Ask yourself, what kind of leader you are and how you can
improve on your individual and collective assistance. Create a plan
and discuss it with your professional peers. Adjust it as needed and
then present it to the appropriate management personnel. Too many
times, we have allowed our great ideas to go undeveloped and the loser
is you and your institution. Now is the time for nurses to take a more
active role in their institutions and health care. Share your
accomplishments so that we all may benefit and make us proud!
Pamela S. Fox, RN, BSN, CEN
President Maryland State Emergency Nurses
Association