THE NURSE-TEAM LEAD SERIES

The Pitfalls of Toxic Leadership in Nursing: Handling Pressure with Empathy and Collaboration?

In a demanding world such as ours, and an even more arduous industry such as healthcare, nurses often find themselves under immense pressure, dealing with critical situations and having to balance multiple responsibilities. While many nurse leaders excel at guiding their teams through challenging times, it's crucial to acknowledge that, unfortunately, some leaders may exhibit toxic behaviours when faced with pressure.?

In this article, I want to explore how toxic leadership can and does manifest in nursing and why it's essential to embrace a healthier approach, in consideration for the next generation of Nurses.

Toxic leadership in nursing can arise when the weight of pressure is either mishandled or not processed at all, leading to negative consequences for both individuals and the overall team dynamic. Here are some common toxic behaviours to be conscious of, as a nurse in any cadre of leadership:

• Micromanagement: You will agree that when under pressure to either meet deadlines or deliver excellent service, it is very possible to begin micromanaging your team, closely scrutinizing every task and stifling autonomy. Whether consciously or unconsciously. This approach undermines trust and hampers the growth and development of team members. Your unit, team or department will slowly be seen as a breeding ground for unproductive, unmotivated, and imaginative professionals. You do not want that to happen, do you?

• Lack of Empathy: The same way I, as the team member can get overwhelmed and frustrated and just want to get over with a task, it's no different for the human being who also is a nurse leader. You get overwhelmed, and may unconsciously or consciously lose sight of or overlook the emotional needs of your team members. You may start by dismissing concerns, failing to provide support or ignoring the impact of stress on their well-being. This lack of empathy can create a toxic environment that erodes morale and diminishes overall performance. Your team now operates comfortably under such atmospheres but in turn, nobody gives a horse's tail about anything more than “I finish the job, I move”, there is no compassion, detailed eye, or heart for excellence anymore.

• Blaming and Shaming: In high-pressure situations, where there is a lot of coercion from probably the management or even your team members,? toxic leaders may resort to blaming and shaming individuals when mistakes occur. Instead of fostering a blame-free culture that encourages learning and improvement, they create an environment of fear and insecurity, hindering professional growth and collaboration. The problem with this is, things will keep going south, mistakes will repeat themselves, and accountability will be scarce as an oasis. You will eventually find yourself alone at the top - or the bottom!

• Poor Communication: Under pressure, some nurse leaders may resort to ineffective or inconsistent communication, leaving their team members feeling confused, disconnected, disorganized and undervalued. The lack of clarity and transparency can breed misunderstandings and contribute to a toxic work environment. Team members tell lies, or half-truths, collaboration and team spirit is lost and there is always one fresh rumour flying about.?It is crucial to address these toxic behaviours and foster a healthier approach to handling pressure in nursing leadership.

Here are a few pointers to how we can promote positive change:

• Emotional Intelligence: Nurse leaders must develop their emotional intelligence to recognize and manage their emotions, as well as empathize with their team members. By fostering a culture of understanding, support, and compassion, you can help mitigate the negative effects of pressure and build a resilient, cohesive team.

• Collaboration and Trust: Encouraging collaboration and trust within the nursing team is paramount. Leaders should empower their nurses to make decisions, delegate tasks, and take ownership of their responsibilities. By fostering an environment where ideas are valued, diverse perspectives are respected, and teamwork is prioritized, you can mitigate toxic behaviours and promote healthier work dynamics for your team members.

• Effective Communication: Clear, open, and transparent communication is key. Leaders must actively listen to their team members, provide timely feedback, and keep everyone informed about critical information. Do not assume anyone heard what you did not say. You can expect your team members to be proactive but not to read your mind.?By promoting a culture of clear communication, nurse leaders can minimize misunderstandings, reduce anxiety, and ensure that everyone feels valued and heard.

• Coaching and Mentorship: Toxic leadership can and must be replaced with a coaching and mentoring approach. Many young nurses have suffered the consequences of this mentorship gap. As a nurse leader, you are expected to guide and support your team members, providing constructive feedback and nurturing their professional growth, giving them insight into the journey they are on and ensuring they know that they are not alone. By focusing on development rather than blame, you can create a culture of continuous learning and improvement.?

Encouragement: A word of encouragement from a teacher to a child can change a life. A word of encouragement from a spouse can save a marriage. A word of encouragement from a leader can inspire a person to reach her potential - John C. Maxwell.

I have discovered that encouragement is the most underutilized leadership tool in contemporary workspaces, regardless of the industry. Encouragement is a sincere attempt to lift the souls of another. ENcourgaement is also individualistic, meaning to successfully do it, you as a nurse leader must know your people enough to know what gives them courage, what takes it away and what spurs each of them on to action.

By recognizing and addressing toxic leadership behaviours under pressure, we can create a more positive and supportive environment in nursing. Let us strive to cultivate compassionate, collaborative, and resilient leadership that inspires our teams to thrive, even in the face of challenging circumstances.?

Together, we can transform the way we handle pressure and foster a healthier and more fulfilling work experience for nurses everywhere.

If you are a Nurse, you are the future.

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