February 7, 2012 Class

For this class, we discussed the different qualities in men and women that make them leaders. We started the class with the questions "Who makes a better leader, men or women?" I don't think men or women make a "better" leader. Both bring different qualities and perspectives to their leadership.
Another point we discussed were the different powers we have. I recently read an article that discussed the different powers, that nurses have. We have expert power. Expert power comes from the experience and knowledge that nurses have. We also have power because nurses are known to be trusted. Another power we have is to persuade. With our knowledge base and trusted status we have the power to persuade some to believe what we believe. All powers are beneficial in different ways. It is important as a leader to understand the different powers we have and use them in the appropriate manner.

January 31, 2012 Class

We discussed strategic planning in class today. Strategic planning is long range planning (3, 5, 20 years). Strategic or long range planning has changed over time. In the past, strategic planning meant that administration leaves the hospital and goes to a remote location. The plan would talk about where they would be in five years, 20 years, etc… The plan would then never be looked at again. Now long range strategic planning is for 12 – 18 months. The planning includes collaboration, deciding in advance “what to do, who is to do it, how it is to be done and when it is to be done.” After reading the articles assigned to us and attending class, I’ve realized that one of the most important parts to strategic planning is collaboration. The game we played in class reinforced this. Nobody wins, if we don’t collaborate. Each department is essential in strategic planning.