14 Demonstrating leadership in a mental health setting
Introduction
This chapter looks at the issue of leadership in nursing practice and applies this to mental health settings through reflective learning exercises. In doing so, it considers the importance of leading care through commonly used approaches in mental health settings such as case management. Leadership, case management and partnership working are domains of competence in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards (NMC 2008).
Leadership
A good leader is one who is able to make things happen, to provide inspiration to others to innovate and develop practice (Williamson et al 2008). Delivering good quality care within mental health nursing involves being an effective leader. This section explores what leadership in nursing care is, examines the skills that this involves and considers some situations where you might demonstrate leadership.
Leadership in nursing can be examined from a number of perspectives. First, as Williamson et al (2008) demonstrate, it may be considered for its central role in developing and delivering quality health care and impacting positively on the lives of individuals and families who use services. Lord Darzi (Department of Health (DH) 2008) highlights that strong clinical leadership is the bedrock of empowering both staff and patients in the NHS to ensure high standards of clinical care. In this respect, leadership relates to the development of nursing practice. Kitson (2001) suggests that leadership is about making visions into reality. However, Antrobus and Kitson (1999) highlight that leadership in nursing is also about influencing the health policy that shapes the way in which health care is delivered. This involves developing nursing knowledge and influencing others at a different level, through involvement in regional and national forums, management and research. All forms of leadership involve providing a role model and support to others which helps to promote good nursing care (DH 2006a). The Chief Nursing Officer’s review of mental health nursing (DH 2006b) points out that leaders are to be found at every level of an organisation.
There is a wealth of literature that examines the similarities and differences between leadership and management. Kotter (1990a,b) highlights that a manager’s key role is in dealing with complexity while a leader’s role is in creating change (Table 14.1).
Table 14.1 Leadership and management
| Leaders | Managers |
|---|---|
| Define direction Bring people together Inspire and motivate others | Organise resources and plan Organise staff Control problems |
