Writing: Changes
Chapter 15
Leadership in Long-Term Care
Learning Objectives
1. Discuss the role of leadership in long-term care
2. Identify the components of leadership
Identify the characteristics of successful leaders
4. Identify and understand the skills needed by successful leaders
5. Understand how to gain or improve leaderships skills
Leadership
“Leadership appears to be the art of getting others to want to do something that you are convinced should be done.”
– Vance Packard
The Pyramid Climbers
Components of Leadership
1. Influencing others (getting others to do something)
2. Providing direction (something you are convinced should be done)
3. Getting voluntary acceptance (getting them to want to do it)
Leaders: Who Are They?
Myths and misunderstandings:
Are they born or created?
Prescient visionaries
Charismatic, special gift
Superior position
Matter of control
Remote and distant
Common Characteristics of Leaders
Honest
Forward-looking
Inspiring
Competent
Leadership Skills
Three categories:
Influencing others
Providing direction
Getting voluntary acceptance
Influencing Others
Skills:
Managing power and influence
Motivation
Communication
Managing Power & Influence
Types of power:
Position
Coercive
Reward
Legitimate
Connection
Managing Power & Influence continued
Types of power (continued):
Personal
Expert
Information
Referent
Providing Direction
Skills:
Strategic thinking
Planning
Managing change
Decision making
Getting Voluntary Acceptance
Skills:
Enabling
Providing feedback
Problem solving
Conflict resolution
Getting Voluntary Acceptance continued
Skills (continued):
Negotiation
Mentoring
Team building
Managing stress
Gaining & Improving Leadership Skills
Recognize need for improvement
Assess current skills
Summary
Leadership is critical in any organization. This is particularly true with the fast-paced nature of long-term care organizations. It is a field that is undergoing nearly continual transformation. It is a situation crying out for leadership. If providers are to be competitive, they need leaders who can carry them to the next level of success.