THE REAL SKILLSEmotional intelligence is as important as practical expertise, says Stephen Wright in the first of two articles about leadership

摘要

As Nursing Standard's Power to Care campaign to increase the clout of ward sisters got under way, I happened to be half way through a leadership programme exploring the role with a small group.We took part in a simple exercise that readers can try.Put this journal down and sit quietly for a moment. Think of the ward sister, charge nurse or ward manager who impressed you most when you were learning about nursing. Think of someone who made you think 'that's the kind of leader I want to be some day'. Now, write down a few words or phrases that summarise this person's qualities.The chances are that you noted 'good at their job' or 'knew what they were doing' or 'expert and skilful'. But I suspect you also used words such as fair, sense of humour, trustworthy, practised what they preached, supportive and so on.In fact, it would not surprise me if these words dominate your description, rather than reference to practical or organisational talent -the'hard skills'.