Differentiate between “leading” and “managing.” Topic 2 DQ 1

Differentiate between “leading” and “managing.” Topic 2 DQ 1

The diverse nature of individuals in the healthcare department who undertake various roles to ensure patients get the desired outcomes means that group leadership and management are key. The implication is that the healthcare setting has both leaders and managers who ensure that the organization’s mission, vision, and goals are accomplished and that the patient care outcomes are achieved (Bergstedt & Wei, 2020). Even though managing and leading are, in most cases, used interchangeably, the two have differences. It is important to note that the interchangeable use of the two terms emanates from the fact that the roles of leaders and managers in the healthcare setting often overlap. For example, both work to inspire nurses and other healthcare staff to achieve the set goal.

Leading and managing differ substantially. While managing entails controlling a group of individuals to obtain specific goals, leadership mainly involves inspiring the led people to achieve success as guided by the organization’s goals, mission, and vision (Kakemam et al.,2020). Therefore, it is evident that the difference comes in terms of the intended focus or the approach. Leadership focuses on influence, while managing focuses on controlling a group of individuals to achieve a specific or set goal. An advanced registered nurse should focus or aim toward combining the strengths of leadership and management for better practice and performance.

Advanced registered nurses should practice open communication and honesty to help them lead and manage well. Through such strategies, they will be able to fulfill their obligations and help the organization achieve its goals (Bergstedt & Wei, 2020). The strategies used in leadership and management can be applied in different situations. One strategy I have applied is open communication and taking a keen interest in the staff’s concerns. This helped in improving the staff’s focus, confidence, and commitment.

References

Bergstedt, K., & Wei, H. (2020). Leadership strategies to promote frontline nursing staff engagement. Nursing Management, 51(2), 48-53. DOI: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000651204.39553.79

Kakemam, E., Liang, Z., Janati, A., Arab-Zozani, M., Mohaghegh, B., & Gholizadeh, M. (2020). Leadership and management competencies for hospital managers: A systematic review and best-fit framework synthesis. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 12, 59-68. https://doi.org/10.2147/JHL.S265825