Name
Western Governors University
D024 Professional Presence and Influence
Prof. Name
Date
This section outlines the scheduled deliverables for the CPE (Continuing Professional Education) activities, detailing the time commitment required for each task along with their respective due dates. This structured timeline helps ensure that all components are completed on time and within the expected duration.
| Deliverable | Estimated Time | Expected Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1a. CPE schedule table | 30 minutes | 12/05/2021 |
| 1b. LinkedIn profile | 10 minutes | 12/05/2021 |
| 1c. GoReact video and peer feedback | 40 minutes | 12/05/2021 |
| 1d. Reflection summary | 20 minutes | 12/05/2021 |
| 2a. Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEI) table | 1 hour | 12/05/2021 |
| 2b. GoReact video and peer feedback | 40 minutes | 12/05/2021 |
| 2c. Reflection summary | 20 minutes | 12/05/2021 |
The course material emphasizes several essential traits that define an effective leader. One of the foremost qualities is presence, where the leader remains fully engaged and attentive during interactions. This presence is closely tied to mindfulness, enabling the leader to stay focused and undistracted by external or internal disruptions.
Another key trait is social and emotional intelligence (SEI), which allows leaders to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions as well as those of others. This emotional awareness supports a leadership style grounded in genuine care and empathy. Such leaders make their followers feel valued not just professionally but also personally. By fostering an environment of trust and motivation, they encourage both individual and collective development within their teams.
Authentic leadership is rooted in several critical life management strategies. A foundational element is setting clear and defined goals, paired with the discipline required to pursue these goals consistently. Maintaining strong personal values acts as a moral compass, guiding decision-making and actions in alignment with integrity.
Moreover, having a profound sense of purpose or passion energizes the leader, fueling their commitment and inspiring those around them. When combined, these factors create a leadership approach that is sincere and genuine, fostering authentic connections and meaningful influence over others (Western Governors University [WGU], 2020).
Developing my LinkedIn profile was an entirely new endeavor. While I understood its role as a platform for professional networking, I initially was uncertain about how it would specifically advance my career objectives. Choosing the right profile picture was important to me; I opted for an image where I am smiling to communicate warmth and approachability, which I believe are vital for making positive first impressions.
I also highlighted my educational background to connect with other Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students and professionals. This network is crucial for sharing insights, experiences, and mentorship opportunities, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations for growth and development in nursing.
Social and Emotional Intelligence (SEI) refers to the ability to perceive, comprehend, and manage one’s own emotions while effectively interacting with others. I have realized that many SEI skills come naturally to me and are applied daily, often without conscious effort.
Further developing SEI enhances the quality of patient care and creates a supportive work environment. For example, practicing active listening helps patients and colleagues feel respected and understood, fostering trust and teamwork. The application of SEI not only benefits professional relationships but also enriches personal interactions, contributing to an overall positive environment (WGU, n.d.).
The following table outlines specific SEI skills, their components, and real-life examples demonstrating their application in nursing contexts.
| SEI Power Skill | Skill Sets | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Self-awareness | Mindfulness, Patience | Mindfulness enabled me to stay compassionate while comforting a patient fearful of an IV due to past trauma. |
| Self-management | Stress management, Self-care | After a challenging shift, I managed stress by talking to my husband and practicing relaxation techniques. |
| Interpersonal Communication | Compassion, Active listening | Listening attentively to a patient’s fears about an IV helped build trust and comfort. |
| Executive Function | Adaptability, Problem-solving | I resolved a conflict by rearranging room assignments to enhance patient comfort and satisfaction. |
| Social Awareness | Perspective taking, Cultural awareness | I respected a patient’s cultural preference for an all-female care team, ensuring her comfort during treatment. |
The SEI skills outlined are essential in everyday nursing practice. Mindfulness and patience are crucial when caring for patients who experience anxiety or fear regarding medical procedures, helping to provide empathetic and calming care. Managing stress and prioritizing self-care is necessary for maintaining nurse well-being and preventing burnout after demanding shifts.
Compassion and active listening build stronger nurse-patient relationships, which directly improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Adaptability and problem-solving allow nurses to navigate complex clinical situations effectively. Finally, cultural awareness promotes respect for diverse patient backgrounds, ensuring healthcare environments are inclusive and sensitive to individual needs.
Engaging deeply with Social and Emotional Intelligence has heightened my awareness of its critical role in improving nursing effectiveness. I intend to continue developing these competencies to enhance patient care experiences. Moreover, by embodying SEI principles, I hope to positively influence my colleagues and foster a workplace culture rooted in empathy, support, and collaboration.
Western Governors University. (n.d.). Social and emotional intelligence power skills. Professional Presence and Influence. Western Governors University.
Western Governors University. (2020). What is authentic leadership? Western Governors University. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-is-authentic-leadership2004.html#close
