We spent some time with Dani Pickin, Senior Sister on Ward 728, to talk about how she creates a positive work environment by listening to her staff. Dani reflects on the importance of mutual respect, leading by example, constructive feedback and being a kind leader to ensure your staff really feel like you’re there for them.
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3 Quotes to lead by...
1. Mutual Respect
‘I respect all of my staff, no matter the banding, no matter their job, no matter their experience. I think there’s a mutual respect there. I am a Band 7, but I don’t think that I’m any better than anybody else… I just think that all my staff are really amazing. I really treat them like they’re amazing as well. I like to tell them how good they are. If I respect my staff, they will in turn respect each other, and they will then respect the patients. It’ll go all the way down to deliver the best care.’
Q.How do you show your staff that you respect them? How do you ensure your team feel acknowledged and appreciated for the great work they do every day?
2. CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
‘When I deliver feedback, I don’t want it to come across in a blaming way. I want it to come across in a constructive way, where I’m giving information in a way that we can improve on rather than just saying this is what’s gone wrong. This is what we’ve got to do better. I want to deliver it in a way that they really understand why I’m delivering the message.’
Q. How do you prepare for delivering feedback to your team?
3. LEAD BY EXAMPLE
‘I think your staff need to know what your expectations are, and I think you need to lead by example. If you’re not setting yourself to the same standard as the rest of your staff, they’re not going to respect the way you want things to run. I think ultimately you just have to be kind. I think people respect a kind leader.’
Q. How do you demonstrate kindness in your leadership? How do you share your expectations with your team?
External Resources
Mutual Respect: How to Build It in Your Workplace
Learning and Development: Giving and receiving feedback
Leading with Kindness and Strength: My Unvarnished Journey into Real Leadership
