J. Jhensuhs: Essential Characteristics Of A Transformational Leader

Characteristic of an influential manager are being an exceptional leader and a transformational manager. Recently an organization in this region has let managers go in almost every department due to a new CEO taking over. The last several years have been filled with turmoil and unknown job security. How do managers remain effective when they fear for their job? Those are questions that appear daily and make nurses question, “why become a manager?” Managers are people that are born with a desire to lead and make changes in an organization, they are not afraid to take risks or be scrutinized by others.

Manager Background

J. Jhensuhs is a 53 year old manager that is currently working on her master’s degree in management and business, she will

Effectiveness comes from being able to inspire people to follow and believe in the goals of a company. J. Jhensuhs exhibits not only transformational leadership styles throughout her interview, but she exhibits emotional intelligence, excellent clinical background knowledge, and skills in communication and collaboration. Essential characteristics of this manager have been addressed all semester and are evidenced by self-awareness, self-management, social competence, social awareness, and relationship management. (Sullivan, 2013, table 4-2) J. Jhensus (2016) states, “I never forget where I came from, my mistakes, or the questions I had. I never ask others to do things that I would not do myself.” (J. Jenshus, personal communication, November 20, 2016) Medina & Francis (2015) list ethics, decision making, analytical skills, leadership, and team work as being essential characteristics of management. (Medina & Francis, 2015, p.

Jensuhs’ management career started when approached by the hospital’s director of nursing and asked if she would consider applying for a management position. Previous experience includes owning her own business and taking over her mother’s business after her sudden death. J. Jenshus ran two businesses coinciding while going to nursing school, which displays exceptional time management and determination. J. Jenshus describes herself as a transformational leader because she wishes to inspire nurses to work to their fullest potential and to the fullest potential of the facility. J. Jenshus (2016) “Authoritarian management is required when the scheduling is concerned and when hard decisions need to be made.” (J. Jenshus, personal communication, November 20, 2016) Throughout the semester it has been mentioned that a great leader needs to be fluid and move between the management styles easily in order to manage most effectively. Sullivan (2013) “Contingency approaches suggest that managers adapt their leadership styles in relation to changing situations. According to contingency theory, leadership behaviors range from authoritarian to permissive and vary in relation to current needs and future probabilities.” (Sullivan, 2013, p. 42) Shared leadership is involved in dealing with other departments, physicians, and staff members. J. Jenshus (2016) “physician interaction is high in management and collaboration is used extensively with physician champions.” (J. Jenshus, personal