How to be a Nurse or Midwife Leader (eBook)

David Ashton, Director, David Ashton Development Ltd. Jamie Ripman, Director, Practive Ltd. Philippa Williams,Director, Practive Ltd.

Authors vii

Contributors viii

Foreword by Karen Lynas ix

Foreword by Jane Cummings xi

Introduction xiii

Part 1: Leading myself well 1

Chapter 1: To begin at the beginning ... 3
David Ashton

Chapter 2: Presence and personal impact 20
Philippa Williams and Jamie Ripman

Chapter 3: Surviving and thriving - maintaining resilience 45
James Butcher with additional contributions from Nichola Jacob

Part 2: Leading others with skill 67

Chapter 4: Getting my message across 69
John Deffenbaugh

Chapter 5: Getting the best out of others 92
Alex Pett

Chapter 6: Influencing with integrity 117
Louisa Hardman

Chapter 7: Courageous conversations 137
Jamie Ripman and Philippa Williams

Part 3: Leading collectively and collaboratively 169

Chapter 8: Moving between the dance floor and the balcony (Heifetz and Linsky 2002) 171
Nicholas Bradbury with additional contributions from Nichola Jacob

Chapter 9: Helping to lead the NHS into the future 188
Caroline Alexander Catherine Eden Nichole McIntosh Natilla Henry with David Ashton Michelle Mello

Afterword 201
David Ashton Jamie Ripman and Philippa Williams

Index 204

Leadership is a well researched and described topic that is relevant to professions throughout health and social care.

This book, which was written in collaboration with the NHS Leadership Academy, focuses on real-life experiences of nurses and midwifes who have faced leadership dilemmas.

Its strength is its practical approach, based and grounded in academic theory.

It starts by looking at identity and self, a vital subject for any leader. Understanding ourselves and how we want to be seen are the foundations of being a good leader and allows for personal development.

As a leader, I found the book particularly useful as a reference when encountering difficult or challenging situations.

The section on chairing meetings prompted me to reflect on my practice and adapt how my meetings are conducted.

The topic of leadership is not a new one but how the book has been set out to address the topic is purely practical in its approach.

It allows the reader freedom to reflect on practice and consider how they use their leadership skills in their day-to-day practice so it can be based on academic theory.

Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book relevant to health and social care professionals at all levels. - Helen Reeves, operational lead for Walsall and inpatient services, St Giles Hospice, Whittington, Staffordshire October 2018