Transformational and Democratic Leadership in Nursing

a) Transformational leadership

Transformational leadership was first coined by sociologist James V. Downton between the 1970s and 1980s and Bernard M. Bass. Transformational leadership is a style that empowers people to accomplish positive change through inspiration, open-line communication with staff, and demonstrating integrity in the staff experience and knowledge. Transformational leaders promote change by emotionally connecting with their audience and inspiring them to achieve greater. Leaders using this style motivate their subjects by communicating a positive vision of the future and motivating them to keep pushing forward. This style is
increasingly effective in improving patient care and safety, staff satisfaction, and employee retention. In transformational leadership, leaders serve as role models and set standards for others to follow.

This style requires less managerial oversight and boosts employee morale and retention. The qualities that define a transformational leader include serving as an example for employees, building an ethical team culture, leading with influence, inspiring others to act, and connecting with followers emotionally.

b) Democratic leadership

Democratic leadership is also called shared or participatory leadership. It is an approach to leadership where members participate in the decision-making process. Leaders
using this approach give all employees an opportunity to participate, discuss and share ideas freely. The role of leaders in the democratic leadership style is to facilitate the free flow of ideas from employees. Leaders also encourage staff to come up with creative solutions to problems. Besides, democratic leaders depend on team participation, honest appraisal, and criticism to make decisions. In other words, the democratic leadership style is characterized by high employee engagement as it requires team participation during the decision-making process. The workplace culture in organizations using democratic leadership encourages teamwork. This style encourages staff to work together and combine their ideas to solve complicated problems.APA