Background
Effective leadership is essential for the progression of the nursing and midwifery profession. There is a growing need for effective succession planning in health education and the Council of Deans for Health are responding to this. In 2014, they agreed to co-sponsor four aspiring Deans in the UK to become Florence Nightingale Leadership Scholars. This was a new venture and following a competitive process, I was given this unique opportunity. I am extremely proud to be the first Scottish midwife to be awarded this prestigious scholarship. As a newly appointed Dean of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care in Scotland, this was timely to support my transition into a new role and organisation. The career objectives were to enhance my leadership skills to support this.
Personal Leadership Development
The core elements to the programme began with attendance at a three day residential course that was an opportunity to meet fellow scholars and together learn and develop our strategic thinking, and ability to function more effectively in complex organisations (Leading Change through Organisational Development).
Self-completion of psychometric tests, Myers-Briggs and political awareness assessments were all analysed by a leadership consultant together with a 360-degree leadership assessment by colleagues. Together these were used to identify a suitable mentor that would provide support and advice and design a bespoke training programme.
I also attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts three-day workshop to enhance communication and influencing skills. Delivered by actors, we learnt about what influenced behaviours and how to communicate effectively in a variety of settings. Despite feeling ‘out of comfort zone’ I soon became immersed in the programme and learnt some really simple, yet effective skills such as use of voice and presence when having difficult conversations. Some of us are planning a refresher of this course post-scholarship as it was so useful.
For the first time in my career I had coaching and this has challenged my thinking and behaviour in a positive and meaningful way. It has enhanced my understanding of others behaviours and relationships with colleagues. Most importantly it has given me confidence in my own abilities as a leader.
Attendance at the London Business School ‘Executing strategy for Results’ programme was one of the best courses I have ever attended. Learning with business executives about organisational change theories has given me a new perspective on decision-making and managing people that has proven very effective in my improvement project.
Improvement Project
Working in academia, my improvement project was indirectly linked to improving health outcomes. By developing an aspirational vision and re-structuring the School, my intention was to improve education and research. By using much of what I have learnt during this scholarship, I believe these objectives have not only been achieved, they have been surpassed. The vision was developed in a collegiate way and we are already on our way to achieving this. The restructuring of the School has led to the development of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for nurses and midwives, our student numbers and experiences has improved and we have surpassed our targets for research income generation.
Shared Learning
The learning from this scholarship goes beyond my own personal and professional development. Through role modelling, sharing theories and approaches to leadership, I have influenced others at an individual, team and organisational level. We have already adopted many of the tools and techniques within the School to support strategic decision-making and communication that I have gained from various components of the programme. Importantly we are also investing more in staff development, including leadership skills.
Reflection and Conclusion
This scholarship has supported the development of my own leadership skills and facilitated transformational change within our organisation. It has facilitated my successful transition into a new role and institution and given me confidence to be an authentic leader.