My interview went very well, and I learned so much more about my colleague on a personal level and leadership style as a nursing leader. Before this interview, I did not realize how much effort, dedication, and passion it takes to be an effective leader. I also did not realize that leadership is not something you just take on randomly, but I feel as if people are natural born leaders with specific personalities that allow them to be an effective and purposeful leader. I also got an insight of what it meant to be a leader in the middle of a healthcare crisis throughout this pandemic which was really inspiring and eye-opening to me. 

I asked few questions that I personally was interested in knowing about this leader. One example was that I asked what they would describe their leadership style as, to which they responded with “leading by example”. I loved this answer as I respect a leader who is willing to do the same work that they are asking others to do, rather than dictating in an authoritative way. I also asked what values are most important to them as a leader, to which they responded with, “hard work, honesty, dedication, empathy and self-motivated”. In addition, I wanted to know more about their ability to balance work and their personal life, especially amid working through a pandemic. She said, “When I leave work, I try to leave it here.” She had later gone on to discuss that sometimes that does not always happen, but she tries her best to separate it. I thought this was a very authentic answer and it showed her quality of self-awareness and management skills. She admits that sometimes it’s hard, but she tries her best which I believe demonstrates effective self-awareness.

I shifted the conversation to a discussion about conflict, resolution, and barriers she has faced being a leader. When I had asked her how she manages conflict, she said that she tries to remain calm, and makes sure both sides feel heard and validated. And that she tries to bring everyone involved to a place of mutual understanding by using “we” statements and remaining open to solutions she did not come up with. I thought this was a great answer as a common feeling during a conflict is not feeling heard or validated by the opposing side. I then had asked what barriers she has faced while being a leader. She had said, “I am the voice for a common group, and sometimes it is difficult to determine the validity of what’s being presented, such as workplace conflict.” Reflecting upon that statement, I began to think that as a leader, you really are the voice for a group and sometimes you are presented with multiple different opinions, expectations, or sources of conflict and you need to determine how to address all of them but also determine what is worth addressing, as you cannot drop everything every time someone in the workplace has something they want to complain about. 

Towards the end, I asked about opportunities for professional development and advancement that are available for her, and she had said she is currently in graduate school, which the hospital had supported, she is in the middle of getting an additional certification to her nursing license, and she is the President of the Practice Council on our unit. 

Overall, I learned so much from this individual, much of which I will take into consideration when I fulfill my role as a Registered Nurse in a few months. I admire so many characteristics of this individual on a personal level, as well as their leadership role!