Being a compassionate leader

‘A compassionate leader is someone who uses a high level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence to truly listen to what people tell them, then responds with empathy and action that makes a...

When is criticism constructive?

Poor leaders feed on illusory insecurity

With regard to the conducive environment,Yapp (2016) reflected that in order for toxic leaders to be successful they need an environment within which they can thrive. Yapp identified four elements...

How to unlock nurse leadership potential

First, the review is clear that, rather than focus on individual leadership development or potential, we should learn from other large organisations that invest heavily in taking a consistent approach...

Giving nurses a voice through ‘listening to staff’ conversations to inform nurse retention and reduce turnover

Although nurse retention is a pressing issue, there is a lack of empirical UK research evaluating the impact of staff engagement and retention initiatives on retaining nurses. Literature reviews have...

The chasm between theory and practice in NHS complaint handling

We can add to the long list the Francis report (2013). Chapter 3 of the first volume deals with complaints and in the conclusion the following telling statement highlights the inherent power imbalance...

Leading a TB team working with hard-to-reach clients

People who use hostels and homeless shelter are some of the hardest to reach client groups who are high risk of tuberculosis (TB) activation due to their lifestyle. Their health is not their main...

From staff nurse to nurse consultant: Team working part 7: developing a positive ethos

Every clinical areas will place different demands on the healthcare staff. For some areas, such as the emergency department, it will be the sheer volume of patients at peak times. Those working in...

Peer assessment after clinical exposure (PACE): an evaluation of structured peer support for staff in emergency care

Peer Assessment after Clinical Exposure (PACE) is a non-judgemental, confidential and supportive programme that supports staff in the immediate aftermath of an incident by an ‘event diffusion’...

Creating a safe space to speak up

‘A shared belief amongst individuals as to whether it is safe to engage in interpersonal risk taking in the workplace.’ .

Is the RCN fit for purpose? Crisis at the college again

Team working part 3: leading a team

I hope that as you begin to reflect on these questions, you will appreciate the complexities of team working and team leadership. If you again reflect on your own team and the leadership and...