Stepping into Leadership

1.5 Observing Leadership Styles

 

Observing other leaders

One of the best ways to embed what you have learned about leadership theories and models is to observe, think and reflect about the leadership around you. You probably do that anyway, but the difference here is that you are being asked to do it more consciously and more systematically.

Use the notes you have made from this module to create a framework for your observations and, possibly, conversations with people. You might find it helpful to create a diagram or map of the people you want to consider - your line manager, head of service, chief executive, elected members/trustees. And don't forget people who may be peers or more junior than you - leadership is not restricted by organisational hierarchy!

Try to use the terms from Section 1.2 – Leadership Theories to identify styles and traits. See how many you can spot! Some things to consider:

• Is the person you are considering using one dominant style or are do they adapt their style to the situation?
• How do others react to the leader’s different styles?
• Does the organisational culture nurture/encourage a particular kind of leadership style?
• How do people with different styles get on with each other?

Try, also, to look and record specific things that indicate the leadership style. These could be behaviours as well as the things that are said.

You can use the Stepping Into Leadership Course Workbook to record your thoughts.

Observing leaders that we regard as effective can help us to identify characteristics that we might like to develop for ourselves. On the flip side, observing leadership that is not effective, can point to things that we might want to avoid!

Having observed and reflected, you might want to have a conversation with someone who has a leadership style you admire. If so, you need to think in advance about what you want to know and talk about.

 

Observing ourselves - self reflection

Having read about the different leadership theories and observed leadership in others, it's now time to look in the mirror!

• Do you have a dominant or preferred leadership style?
• Do you have different styles for different groups of staff/partners/volunteers?
• Do you consciously think about the style to use, or do you base it on past experience and/or intuition?

You can use the Stepping Into Leadership Course Workbook to record your thoughts.

The Foundation for Nursing Leadership has a general self-assessment questionnaire What is your leadership style?

If you complete it (it only takes a few minutes) you will get a personalised result that might help you to identify areas where you are already strong and point to some things you might think about for your development. It is not a rigorous diagnostic tool, but could give you some useful pointers.

 

How would you describe yourself as a leader?

It is important to write this down. Use any words, phrases, and diagrams - whatever you prefer to encapsulate your self-reflection.

You can use the Stepping Into Leadership Course Workbook to record your thoughts.

 

How do others see you?

Now, here's a challenge... how does your self-image compare with how others see you?

You could ask for feedback from people who work with you and have observed your leadership behaviours. In looking for feedback it is good to take a 360-degree approach. This is where you would ask people who manage you, your peers, and the people that you manage (or direct as part of a project). You can also consider external partners.

This is not obligatory! If it's not comfortable for you, don't do it.

You could just reflect on things people have said to you in the past, or how they have behaved as a result of your leadership.

But, please, do consider ways of asking others to give you some form of feedback on how they see you in a leadership role.

 

Continue the course with: 2.1 Why?