Interview of Health Care Leader
Mandy Littlefield
HCS/492
September 3, 2012
Regina Phelps, MN, PhD, RN, NEA, BC

Interview of Health Care Leader Leaders and managers can often be interchangeable. Although they have many similarities, there are some differences between them. Parker and Hyrkas (2011), stated “nursing management and leadership are primary stakeholders who develop and collaborate the transformation of health care, deliver world class value, and optimize the health of patients and the community” p. 567). Leaders are individuals who “use interpersonal skills to influence others” to work toward a common and specific goal (Sullivan & Decker, 2009, p. 45). Managers differ from leaders as they are employed by an organization to be “responsible and accountable for efficiently accomplishing the goals of the organization” (Sullivan & Decker, 2009, p. 45). Managers use their interpersonal skills to plan, organize, supervise, staff, evaluate, negotiate, and represent the organization and work toward meeting goals set by the organization. The role and responsibility of management is to ensure employees are properly executing their duties in a way that promotes productivity and satisfaction among the clients they serve. Management also has the responsibility to ensure the employees are working efficiently and skillfully to uphold the organization’s mission statement and vision.
Leadership – Formal and Informal Leaders Leadership can be formal and informal. Formal leadership is done by managers, supervisors, charge nurses, and other individuals in authoritative positions. Informal leadership occurs when an individual can influence others without being in the position of authority. Informal leaders can persuade and guide others. The responsibility of the individuals in leadership is to set good examples to those whom they influence and guide.