[Sharon]

Think of a situation where you have “followed” and by doing so showed leadership. Share your experience on the online discussion forum.

[Carmen]

I haven’t thought of followership as a demonstration of leadership, and the reading was really eye opening and changed my preconceived notion of this term.

A situation where I’ve “followed” and by doing so showed leadership was when our team was faced with an unexpected and tight deadline for a project. I supported the plan made by our project leader by carefully listening to their vision and instructions. I provided input, offered assistance whenever needed and made sure that my designated tasks were completed while maintaining a quality standard of work. By following their lead and focusing on teamwork, we managed to complete the project on time with great results.  

[Kristina]

Hi Carmen,
Thanks for sharing! I agree, my eyes really opened up when I completed the readings too. The situation you described that allowed you to input and offer assistance in a project is a great way to be a follower & a leader. It almost compares to group work,; coming together; discussing topics and what will work vs not; future goals; and how everyone can work together and help out to achieve the deadline. I enjoyed reading your post. thanks for sharing.

[Claire]

I can think of a recent situation where I was instructed to follow a particular protocol for an intervention with one of our residents. I had initiated this intervention previously many times, but always felt a sense of insecurity regarding certain aspects that were less than clear. Myself and my colleagues had been “following ” what was expected of us. Yet through conversations with others I realized that they too did not always feel that they had a solid “grip” on what was expected of them and of what was the responsibility of the Physician ordering it.

I made a point of bringing this to the attention of my team lead. I asked if when he was able if we could have a discussion off the floor regarding my concerns and to obtain further information. I also brought up that this had been identified to me by other staff members that they too felt uncertain. I was unaware if our leaders were aware that as a team we had questions and needed some guidance. I stated I would like be be able to help not only myself feel more confident, but to also help other staff navigate any concerns for the better of the team and as well as for our residents.
I feel that this is an example of where I “followed” as I clearly was following the protocols expected of me by my leadership, but I showed leadership by taking responsibility by “speaking up” to minimize potential errors and help our entire teams confidence surrounding the issue.

[Alhasan]

In my role as a case manager, I experienced a significant example of leadership through following while shadowing the nurse who previously held my position. During my training, I observed her advocating for an individual in the hospital setting. The medical team was attempting to discharge this individual prematurely, without conducting necessary further testing.

Witnessing her confident and assertive communication with the medical team left a lasting impression on me. She effectively used specific terminology and articulated the needs and concerns of the individual with authority and clarity. This experience greatly influenced my approach to advocacy. It has since made me comfortable and confident in speaking with medical teams, using precise terminology, and strongly advocating for the individuals we support. This example highlighted how following a skilled leader can significantly shape one’s own leadership abilities.

[Logan]

Alhasan, what a beautiful example of taking over a role with great responsibility and being able to execute the same leadership qualities yourself. Well done!

I am a strong advocate for client center care and when I was working in the hospital on our mental health floor discharging patients wasn’t always the right thing to do. The patient safety and our community safety is so important when discharging planning for the psychiatric units but often they were rushing them out before they were truly ready. It took a team of us nurses to be assertive communicators to ensure the clients needs were heard. That was cool to be a part of it, and gave the patient more time to work on mental health and overall quality of life even if it was for a few extra days they got to stay. Advocating is a large part of our job after all 🙂

[Claire]

Hi Alhasan,

I throughly enjoyed your post!

When a person can express themselves in an exceptional manner, it is a gift to those who are receiving the message. I also keep in mind that in my role as a nurse, those who I am providing care to are banking on me being competent. I am given assumed trust because of to my nursing licence, and that I have not yet earned it. I have the power to be the one providing care, information and support in a setting is greatly affecting their life or their loved ones lives, and that they are most likely not fully understanding what is occurring and its significance and could have tremendous fear surrounding end of life. It is imperative that I am able to communicate effectively and collaboratively with emotional intelligence, grace, confidence and kindness to provide exceptional care.

There are young nurses at my work that struggle with their confidence when having difficult conversations with families and residents. What I expressed to them is that communicate skills come with practice, and to try their best with sincerity, correct information and an open heart. I reassure them that they will build this skill throughout their lives, not just in professional settings but in personal ones as well. That is is cumulative and to have faith they are building they abilities!

Thanks again for the post 🙂

[Rebecca]

While reading through the provided materials, I will say that I was not anticipating considering myself to be a “follower”. Taking this course was in my opinion to heighten my leadership skills and I did not consider taking another look at how being a follower is being a leader. Reading the four essential qualities of a follower I see each of these qualities in my day-to-day work and I also can see these qualities in many of my staff. Much like me I have to manage my day as do my team members, I have my own strengths as do my team members. Much of my leadership stems from being a follower of my superiors thus making myself a good follower and in turn impacting how my team sees me as a leader and follow me. I just had a full circle moment with this module.

Thank you,

[Logan]

We model by example and at some point without realizing it maybe, we have all found ourselves following in the shadow of someone we have either worked with or we are still working with.

I work with some of the greatest examples of what it means to be a good leader. Each of them are a big reason I want to continue to grow and develop the same exceptional leadership skills they demonstrate. No matter who they are speaking with or what leader is providing the lead in a conversation or project at the time, it is validating to see that everyone is on the same page, the information delivered is consistently the same and the goals remain the same too.

One thing they have all taught me is that change doesn’t mean it was wrong before, that it was not meant to be scary and that it only offers an opportunity to learn and grow.
I am demonstrating this example for my team of nurses as we navigate new changes once again. Next week we welcome our new clinical manager after being without a nursing manager for 5 months. My nursing team and I have done exceptionally well working without one for 5 months and we have all made great improvements in our nursing department. I made changes that I was once told not to (by the previous manager) but with the approval of my leadership guidance, I went ahead and made changes since and in return it has gained positive outcomes for us and our clients experience while in treatment.

These last 5 months have vastly changed my perception for leadership, management and our operations team in such a positive way. Without them as my mentors, I am certain it wouldn’t have been as well executed or successful as it has been. They gave me the tools and guidance to lead my nursing team which demonstrated consistency, evidence base facts that were solution focused and had a rewarding outcome once the goals had been met. I am going to continue to follow them as my mentors and I hope that others will do the same with me.

[Melissa]

I never really connected or thought of “followership” to be apart of leadership. After reading the “follow the leader” article it really put into perspective that a lot of leadership does relate to being a “follower” or having “followed” a good leader. After reading the Five leadership patterns (Sheep, Yes people, Alienated followers, Survivors and effective followers) I can definitely think of people I work with as well as myself fitting into each of these categories. I never really realized how being a “follower” is being a leader until reading this material. It really opened my eyes to how myself and other co-workers are being “followers” on a daily basis at work. After reading the four essential qualities (manage themselves,committed higher purpose,build their strength, takes risks) of an effective follower I can definitely think of times where myself or co-workers have demonstrated these qualities. One situation I can think of is when I was hired to work at my current workplace I showed “Followership” by being trained on the facilities policies/procedures and the responsibilities of the nursing staff. When being trained on these policies/procedures as well on hands on training on the floor I was “following” the staff training me. I then showed a “leadership” aspect by then training future colleagues when I was a “matured” employee of the facility. Which then these colleagues showed Followership to then leadership continuing the cycle. This also goes for recent training as of course in healthcare things are constantly changing and there are always new learning opportunities.

[Janet]

Inspired by my current manager’s dedication to our team, I have adopted her approach in leading my own team. Embracing an open door policy, I encourage my staff to freely approach me with their concerns and ideas. This commitment to transparent communication has noticeably enhanced our team’s effectiveness in our community initiatives, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

[Ruth]

As a charge Nurse in my organization, I get an opportunity to be a preceptor to a would be graduate. During this process I demonstrate a leadership skill by mentoring, let the preceptee to have a hands-on experience, and let the learner to demonstrate what she has learned at school. At the end of her clinical, she was able to gain experience and confidence that she can apply in her future career.

[Sherri]

My role as a nurse has allowed me to be an effective follower by inter-connecting with management and the daily practices of policies and procedures. I never thought of as being a responsive student leads to productive leadership. Although, it does make sense, I have a “teacher/co-worker” whom will be retiring soon. A brilliant most intelligent lady. Always a team leader committed to the good of our organization stretching herself with extra work and responsibilities. She has set good core values and recognizes, acknowledges, everyone around her. A most toxic being and a pleasure to be around. She has given and taught me a lot of these qualities, in which I am proud to say that I use daily.

[Sherri]

Logan, well done!
To model by example is so true. This is precisely why I am hoping to grow, develop, and be an adept learner acquiring these new leadership skills.

[Kristina]

So far in my 2 years of being an RPN, I have had the wonderful opportunity of being a preceptor twice. My most recent experience being a preceptor allowed me to reflect on my time with my student & compared it to the first time I had one. During my time with my first student, I feel like I was more leading and providing opportunities to my student when I felt ready for them to do so. However, with my second student recently, I learned to be more trusting and guiding. I have done lots of reflecting on how we need as registered nurses need to be more understanding and lead by example with our students, who will one day be off in the real world of nursing. I believe that this situation allowed me to be a better leader, by “following” my student and seeing what they could do skills wise and if they had the confidence and competency to do so. This would allow for me to provide positive feedback as well as constructive feedback. This proved to me that when you lead in the right way, the follower will accept what you are offering and take that will them on their learning journey.

[Holly]

Hi Kristina, thank you for sharing your perspective. I love how you have had the opportunity to be a preceptor not once but twice now! From what you mentioned about reflecting back on your first student to your second, it sounds like you’ve done some great work and in turn helped that nursing student along their journey. I can appreciate that you were more open to allowing your second student to step in when they felt ready and were able to provide them with some great feedback along the way!

[Monika]

Thank you Kristina! I really enjoyed reading your experience of becoming a preceptor and that this experience has allowed you to reflect on your own practice and learning. I especially like how the second student experience challenged you in another way as compared to the first student. I find it so humble to “follow” your student and that this allowed you to become a better leader.

I have been more a follower my whole life. I really enjoyed the “Follow the Leader” article because there is no leader without followers. I can say I have been a sheep, yes people and an effective follower based on my various employment experience. My favorite follower quality I have possessed is the commitment to a higher purpose. I am proud to work for the company I currently work for because we build safe housing for remote northern communities and this provides us with purpose and hope for community members. This company is not just about bottom line and we value the importance of housing for those that do not have access to it.

However, with my second student recently, I learned to be more trusting and guiding. I have done lots of reflecting on how we need as registered nurses need to be more understanding and lead by example with our students, who will one day be off in the real world of nursing. I believe that this situation allowed me to be a better leader, by “following” my student and seeing what they could do skills wise and if they had the confidence and competency to do so. This would allow for me to provide positive feedback as well as constructive feedback. This proved to me that when you lead in the right way, the follower will accept what you are offering and take that will them on their learning journey.

[Holly]

Recently, our facility experienced an outbreak and during that time we all were working very closely together to help out one another. During this time, there was no management on the floors so our nurse on duty had to step in as our leader during this time. I was gladly willing to help out as I knew they needed it. During this time I felt that myself and the nurse on duty were working along side however she was still in taking charge of the situation but it felt like we were equals as I was following her lead. There were a few protocols that I was questioning during this time and brought it up to the nurse. After discussions we decided to work together to find a better solution. I feel that during this time we all worked collaboratively as a team and reflecting back now I feel that I was showing qualities of an effective follower.

[Rose]

Hello Holly,
Thanks for your post about the recent outbreak at our facility. It’s great to hear how you and the nurse on duty worked closely together during such a challenging time. I agree that having no management on the floors made it crucial for everyone to step up.
It’s inspiring to see how you felt like you were working as equals, even while she was leading the situation. It shows the importance of teamwork and collaboration, especially during a crisis. I admire how you brought up your questions regarding the protocols; that takes courage and a commitment to continuous improvement. By discussing and finding better solutions together, you demonstrated the qualities of an effective follower and contributed to the team’s success. Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s a reminder of how strong teamwork can make all the difference in challenging situations!
Best,
Rose

[Rose]

Hello,
Recently, there was a situation on our rehab floor that showed how following can also demonstrate leadership. There were no managers available, and the doctor on call was busy with other patients. We had a patient who was struggling to breathe because of COVID-19 and had lung cancer, which needed urgent attention. I realized we had to act fast and decided to gather the other nurses. I emphasized that we needed to send the patient to the emergency room because we couldn’t take care of someone so unstable. I quickly contacted another doctor on the floor and got the approval to transfer the patient, which helped us respond more quickly.
In this moment, I showed energy and took the initiative. I was thinking critically about the situation and trying to solve the problem to ensure the patient received the care they needed. This experience reminded me that effective followers can step up and make decisions even when there isn’t strong leadership present. By taking action, I played a key role in helping our team and ensuring the patient was safe.
Thank you for reading my post!
Rose

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