Minimum of 300 words with at least 2 peer review reference in 6th edition apa style. Describe a time in your professional life when you felt used and manipulated. What were the circumstances? Did you feel valued by the leader? Based on the textbook, explain how the issue of purpose, in the servant leadership paradigm, could have yielded a more beneficial outcome for the leader and yourself. (RE: I am a nurse working in the emergency room)
Title: Leadership Manipulation in the Professional Context: The Case of a Nurse in the Emergency Room
Introduction:
Servant leadership is a leadership approach that emphasizes the leader’s commitment to serving the needs of others and enabling their personal and professional growth. However, instances of feeling used and manipulated can arise even within a servant leadership paradigm. In this assignment, I will describe a time in my professional life as a nurse in the emergency room when I felt used and manipulated. I will discuss the circumstances, the perceived value of leadership, and explore how a clear sense of purpose within the servant leadership framework could have potentially led to a more beneficial outcome for both the leader and myself.
Circumstances:
During a particularly demanding shift in the emergency room, I found myself assigned multiple tasks at once, including attending to critically ill patients, documenting patient information, and providing necessary medications and treatments. Despite my best efforts, it became evident that I was being disproportionately burdened with responsibilities, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and undervalued. Additionally, I noticed that my immediate supervisor, the head nurse, did not provide any support or offer assistance, seemingly unconcerned about my workload.
Feeling Valued by the Leader:
In this situation, I did not feel valued by the leader. The lack of support and acknowledgment of my efforts generated a sense of being disregarded and used solely for the purpose of fulfilling the organization’s needs. This fostered a devalued perception of my professional abilities and undermined my motivation to perform at my best.
The Issue of Purpose in the Servant Leadership Paradigm:
In the servant leadership paradigm, purpose is a crucial aspect that differentiates it from other leadership styles. A leader’s clear sense of purpose can influence the behavior of their followers and create an environment characterized by trust, collaboration, and empathy. By aligning the purpose of the organization with the individual needs and aspirations of the team members, servant leaders can foster a sense of belonging and fulfillment.
The Potential for a More Beneficial Outcome:
In my experience, a leader who embraces the principles of servant leadership and demonstrates a clear sense of purpose could have significantly improved the situation and fostered a more beneficial outcome for both the leader and myself. Firstly, a servant leader with a strong sense of purpose would be more attuned to the individual needs and capabilities of their team members. This would involve effective communication and active listening to understand the challenges and concerns faced by their subordinates.
By acknowledging and appreciating the efforts and capabilities of the team members, a leader can create a positive work environment that motivates individuals to perform at their best. In my case, a servant leader who recognized my dedication and competence would have provided support and assistance during overwhelming situations, rather than leaving me to tackle the workload alone. This would have reinforced a sense of value and restored my motivation and commitment to the organization.
Moreover, a servant leader’s clear articulation of purpose could have facilitated effective delegation of tasks and equitable distribution of responsibilities. By ensuring that each team member has a balanced workload aligned with their abilities, a leader can prevent feelings of being taken advantage of or overburdened. This would promote a sense of fairness and respect among the team, enhancing overall job satisfaction and team cohesion.
Conclusion:
In the professional context of the emergency room, feeling used and manipulated can undermine the effectiveness and well-being of both the individual and the team as a whole. Through the lens of the servant leadership paradigm, it becomes evident that a leader’s clarity of purpose plays a pivotal role in fostering a more beneficial outcome. In my experience, a leader who embodies servant leadership values, such as empathy, trust, and collaboration, would have created an environment where I would have felt valued and supported, leading to improved overall performance and job satisfaction.