Online Reflection Part: A

Kristin Carter
820 668 499
HUMBER ITAL
NURS 250

After reviewing different forms of leadership techniques in class, I

was able to explore which type of leadership method I best fall into.
The leadership technique that I believe best reflects my personality,
beliefs, ideals and expectations correspond well with the behavioral
approach. More specifically, I fall under the democratic leadership
style. The democratic approach is best defined as, Participatory, with
authority delegated to others. To be influential, the democratic leader
uses expert power and the power base afforded by having close,
personal relationships. (P. Kelly, H. Crawford, 2013). This quote
showcases that my duties of being a Standard First-Aid and CPR
Instructor fell directly into this leadership role. My duties included
scheduling meetings, presenting lesson plans, teaching/assessing skills
and being a mentor for those involved in the course.
I noticed when reflecting back on my teaching methods that I tend to
fall into the Democratic leadership approach when instilling a leader
within my students. When teaching First-Aid courses I like to delegate
tasks to the students to see their own form of leadership and skills
while still able to respond to the commands that I am giving them.
When running a class it is also very important to take into
consideration the students, and the pace that they are learning and
retaining new information. I like to have a discussion throughout each
stage of learning to understand their learning needs as well as the
stage that they are currently at. When discussing with a group I think it
is important to take their ideas and concerns into consideration while
still keeping a prominent role to keep everyone on track with the task
ahead. When teaching and assessing students it is important to myself
to have a close relationship where they feel comfortable enough with
myself to seek further education. Which later on helps myself in
forming further plans on how to lead them to becoming a leader in the
life saving field. When presenting the class with information and skills I
like to compile all of the feedback and input that they have given me
and use that towards our common goal of certification as well as
improving my own leadership abilities. It is highly important as a
democratic leader to always listen and appreciate the other members
opinions in order to benefit the whole group. In order to be a leader no
matter what category you fall under, I think it is important as an
appointed leader or a self-acclaimed leader to always consider the
other members of the group when making decisions. Thereby always
keeping sure the task at hand is staying on track. As well,
remembering that even as a democratic leader it is still okay to make
decisions for the group when one finds them self in a certain situation.
When moving into the clinical field I think that it will be a good
opportunity to exhibit the democratic leadership in order to present an
equality vibe for ones team. For example, charge nurses also appear to
present a democratic approach by considering each member needs

and wants. As I continue with nursing I think this democratic approach

will benefit me by strengthening the teams dynamic.
In conclusion, I believe people are not born leaders; it takes time,
patience and practice in order to direct them into the type of leader
they could be. I believe that the type of leadership approach that
individuals take has been instilled in them from a previous leader who
was a mentor to them. Observing and looking up to someone has the
ability to shape a new leader into something great.

Reference
Kelly, P., & Crawford, H. (2013). Leadership Theories. In Nursing leadership
and management (Second Canadian Edition., pp. 173-180). Toronto: Nelson Education