Leadership is a complex and multifaceted concept that is often associated with theories of management and positions of power within hierarchical structures. In this assignment, I have chosen to explore the theory of transformational leadership. The origins of transformational leadership can be traced back to the ideas of charisma and inspiration, as well as the recognition of the need for adaptation within the healthcare industry, which places a strong emphasis on staff well-being (Harris & Mayo, 2018).
The selected peer-reviewed article focuses on the relationship between transformational leadership and burnout in the healthcare industry. Research has shown that transformational leaders require support from their peers and possess personal strength in order to effectively address burnout (Tafvelin et al., 2019). At the core of transformational leadership is the ability to effectively communicate the shared goals and vision of the organization to team members (McEwen & Wills, 2019). One of the key advantages of transformational leadership is that it is the most widely studied and utilized leadership style, and the success of transformational leaders is often evaluated based on their ability to achieve organizational goals (McEwen & Wills, 2019).
Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in effective transformational leadership within organizations. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to be self-aware and in tune with the emotions of their employees, enabling them to guide the organization in a positive direction (McEwen & Wills, 2019). However, there are also weaknesses associated with the transformational leadership theory, particularly in relation to potential employee burnout. Burnout is a psychological response to chronic work stress, typically characterized by emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and decreased personal accomplishment (Tafvelin et al., 2019).
According to Tafvelin et al. (2019), the relationship between transformational leadership and burnout can be attributed to the pressure felt by employees to please their leader, leading to excessive physical and mental strain. This highlights the importance of understanding leadership theories and models in the nursing profession, as they directly impact therapeutic relationships and ethical patient care. The nursing profession revolves around the nurse-patient relationship, which is greatly influenced by leadership dynamics. Leadership theories and models are essential in promoting teamwork and enabling staff to achieve set goals.
Theoretical frameworks provide nurses with guidance and a foundation for understanding their roles within the healthcare field and in leadership positions. These frameworks and models inform education, research, and practice, facilitating the development and implementation of effective leadership styles within the nursing profession. They also contribute to making informed decisions, predicting outcomes, and driving positive change in nursing practice.
In conclusion, leadership is a complex concept, and the theory of transformational leadership has been widely studied and applied in various industries, including healthcare. Transformational leaders are characterized by their ability to effectively communicate shared goals and vision, and their success is often evaluated based on their ability to achieve organizational objectives. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in transformational leadership, as it enables leaders to be self-aware and understand the emotions of their employees. However, it is important to recognize and address the potential for burnout associated with transformational leadership, as excessive pressure to please the leader can lead to physical and mental strain. In the nursing profession, understanding leadership theories and models is vital for promoting therapeutic relationships and ethical patient care, as well as guiding education, research, and practice.