ONS Connect - May 2008 - (Page 7)

EDiTOr’SNOTE Take an Active Approach to Leadership Development [By Debra M. Wujcik, RN, PhD, AOCN®, Editor] Debra M. Wujcik, RN, PhD, AOCN ®, Editor f you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” This was the frequent directive from my mother to me and my four siblings as we grew up. With three mischievous brothers, I was hard pressed to find something nice to say, and with my personality, it was difficult to not say anything. Child-rearing advice in my generation was directed toward looking for and acknowledging good behavior while ignoring undesired behavior. The difference in the two approaches is that former is active whereas the latter is passive. You may wonder what this has to do with this month’s theme of finding the leader in you through the ONS Leadership Development Institute (LDI). “I An active approach entails looking for the qualities you have that can be developed into leadership skills and finding the level of leadership that is comfortable for you. A passive approach to leadership is one where you sit back and allow others to take the lead. You may have a number of reasons for using a passive approach. You may think that you do not want the pressure and responsibility that come with leadership positions in your workplace. You do not have the time for volunteer leadership roles in your ONS chapter or other organiza- tions. Or you may think that you do not have the skills needed to lead others. An active approach entails looking for the qualities you have that can be developed into leadership skills and finding the level of leadership that is comfortable for you. It means identifying the skills you already have and enhancing them while seeking ways to gain the skills you are lacking. A mentor once told me to go with my strengths and that the weaknesses will develop as well. Often others see potential in you that you do not see. A mentor, colleague, or friend can help find the leader in you. LDI has a long history of developing leaders in many settings and at all professional levels. It is a unique resource that provides opportunities for incredible personal and professional growth, as LDI participants will attest. The responses to this issue’s You Tell Us question were too numerous to print all of them; the additional responses are worth reading online at www .ONSConnect.org. We hope you will consider applying for LDI as a strategy to develop your leadership skills. ONS has other opportunities for leadership development as well, including chapter, SIG, project team, and elected position participation. We hope you will use those opportunities to continue your own professional growth and, in turn, to care for your patients more effectively. ✱ MAY 2008 ONS CONNECT 7 http://www.ONSConnect.org http://www.ONSConnect.org

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ONS Connect - May 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In ONS Leadership Development Institute A Year in the Life - Month Five Web Content Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Put Evidence Into Practice to Prevent and Manage Constipation in Patients With Cancer Giant Database Allows Scientists to Share Information Calendar of Events Working for You Staying on Top

ONS Connect - May 2008

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