DISC Personality Test

For our Leadership class this week we were to take the DISC Personality Test. There are four categories you can fall into: Dominant, Influential, Steady, and Conscientious. After taking the test I have an emphasis in the Dominant with a strong following of Steady. This means that I can be direct, positive, and straightforward. I like to lead and I like immediate results for my work. Also, it means I have good self-control, I am a good listener and like to avoid conflict if possible. Additionally, I am organized, loyal and happy.

These results were not a big surprise to me. I do like to take charge but I am less likely to do so if I don't feel confident in the work. I tend to be very organized, positive and I have always been very loyal both professionally and personally. 

The one thing that surprises me is the "I tend to avoid conflict". I don't shy from conflict too often. So for leadership qualities, this is an area that needs improvement. This can affect my future leadership style because I don't want to be someone too confrontational. Also, I am not as much of a people person (Influential) as I would like to be. I feel this would enhance my leadership style in the future. I think influential people can make great leaders. 

It looks like I have some work to do to improve my leadership style, it's good but a little rough around the edges!

Characteristics of Leaders

          

1.       Leadership requires personal mastery – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they show competence and mastery in the tasks they perform. Nurses are deemed competent by means of a license to practice nursing (NLN 2010).

                                   

2.       Leadership is about values – Nurses need to know what their personal beliefs are. Their values will reflect in their style of leadership and how others will follow in their footsteps. They also need to know how to reflect their nursing care for the patient off of the personal beliefs and values of the patient in order to provide holistic care.

3.       Leadership is about service – Nurses should not be self serving. Leadership is about working together for the common good while helping those you lead reach their full potential as part of the team.

4.       Leadership is about people and relationships – Nurses should care not only about those they tend to but also about those they work alongside. As we develop a healthy relationship with the staff surrounding us, we can mesh our goals together with theirs and focus on excellent patient care. 

5.       Leadership is contextual – As nurses lead they should continually reevaluate their environment and those they interact with to ensure that their leadership style is meeting the needs of the team and the current environment.

6.       Leadership is about the management of meaning – Nursing leadership is a processing center for taking in the surroundings, organizing processes and pouring out the understanding of people, processes and procedures in creating a well-oiled machine.

7.       Leadership is about balance – Nursing leadership should include a balance of order and processes along with caring and compassion that encompass a structured nurturing environment.

8.       Leadership is about continuous learning and improvement – Nursing leadership should include a constant drive and determination to include evidenced based practice as well as a constant thirst for learning as a way to improve the quality of care.

9.       Leadership is about effective decision making – A wide knowledge base is essential in nursing leadership. It is necessary to understand the job, people and processes in order to make well educated decisions.

10.   Leadership is a political process – A healthy hierarchy exists in nursing leadership that ensures all necessary educated steps are taken in providing optimal healthcare.

11.   Leadership is about modeling – Nursing leadership includes modeling, or leading by example. It is essential that a team knows its leader is willing to "get their hands dirty" right along side everyone else.

12.   Leadership is about integrity - The team will always be willing to follow a leader who enlists integrity as their banner. Trust and faith builds a strong leader and a strong team.