WIN October 2019

FOCUS 31

This programme placed a lot of emphasis on leadership behaviours and challenged us to look inwards first. Understanding why I behave in certain ways has enabled me look to change certain behaviours. I realised to be a fit leader that I needed to be able to mit- igate against burnout, be resilient and have an open mind-set. To this end, I started to practise mindfulness.This is a skill that is nec- essary to ensure laser focus when navigating complexity and high stress situations, some- thing nurses and midwives encounter daily. I also focused on my physical wellbeing as physical wellness is an important founda- tion of emotional self-control and resilience. What I have found most empowering is that as my confidence grew during the pro- gramme, I was more willing to accept and admit that I can make mistakes and I am not threatened by others knowing this. I can also use mistakes to learn. True confidence is about humility in finding out what is right rather than being right. This course runs over a year and requires full attendance at the residentials and the learning set meetings, which cover a total of 17 days. The amount of work required is approximately 10 hours a week depending on your level of

group became my most important support and source of personal growth during the programme. The formation of this group is one of the many challenging surprises that occur throughout the year. No spoilers will be given on this except to say go with it. The learning set experience provided me with a unique opportunity to experience and examine many of the challenges that senior leaders face: impact of leadership style on others, presenting ideas, holding one’s self and others to account and giving and receiving feedback. Being afforded the opportunity to read, reflect, critique and challenge the per- sonal leadership journey of others taught me so much about leadership. Initially, I felt intimidated by the vast experience and seniority of the members of my learn- ing set. However, I quickly realised that in order to progress I had to step up to the challenge of this programme. I saw the benefit of the learning set as a safe place to learn about feedback, challenges, respect for colleagues with different roles and experiences to me, working together and understanding the many different parts and challenges in the health services.

engagement with the programme as you design your own learning contract. I see this was an investment in me and my future role in the health services and I feel privileged to have had this opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills, attitudes and behaviours. Taking part in Leading Care 1 has been one of the most transforming jour- neys of my life and I highly recommend the programme to anyone looking to develop as a leader within the health services. Further information The Health Services Leadership Academy offers three leadership courses including Leading Care 1 (executive leadership), Lead- ing Care 2 (masters) and Leading Care 3 (diploma in management) which nurses/ midwives can access. For further informa- tion contact the Health Services Leadership Academy E: leadershipacademy@hse.ie. Leadership courses for nurses/midwives are also available via the National Clinical Lead- ership Centre in the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Director. Rosemarie Sheehan is a project officer for Children’s Health Ireland/HSE

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