Question 1

A nurse follower is high in performance initiative and high in relationship initiatives. What type of follower is this nurse?

Accepted Answer

A nurse who is high in both performance and relationship initiatives is considered a Partner. This type of follower actively engages in the work environment, contributes ideas, and works well with others to achieve goals.

Question 2

A follower assumes an active role because the leader has credibility. According to Kouzes and Posner (2011), which characteristics make leaders have credibility?

Accepted Answer

Kouzes and Posner identify honesty, the ability to inspire, and being forward-looking as key characteristics that make leaders credible. These traits help leaders to gain the trust and respect of their followers, encouraging them to take an active role in the leadership process.

Question 3

Which statement will identify a nurse as a star follower?

Accepted Answer

Star followers exhibit a high degree of self-confidence and initiative, which is reflected in the statement "I can do that." This demonstrates their proactive approach and willingness to take on responsibilities.

Question 4

A follower thinks critically about the leader's suggestions but remains passive and perhaps even somewhat hostile. What type of follower is this?

Accepted Answer

Alienated followers are characterized by their critical thinking skills but lack of active engagement. They may be skeptical or even somewhat hostile towards leadership but do not actively support or engage with the leader's initiatives.

Question 5

Which trait characterizes a follower more than it characterizes a leader?

Accepted Answer

Followers are often characterized by their responsible use of freedom within the guidelines or directions set by their leaders, rather than by creating new ideas, taking risks, or making decisions, which are more typically associated with leadership roles.

Question 6

A nurse has the title of Dean of the School of Nursing. Which type of power does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Legitimate power is derived from a position of authority within an organization, such as the Dean of the School of Nursing, who holds a formal title and role that grants them the power to influence others.

Question 7

A nurse leader sees the "big picture" of providing high-quality care and tells how each follower fits into this vision. Which characteristic has the nurse leader used to help followers?

Accepted Answer

Forward-looking is a characteristic that involves seeing the big picture and guiding others on how they fit into this vision, which is essential for leadership in healthcare to ensure high-quality care.

Question 8

How should a nurse leader use power?

Accepted Answer

Using power as an influence to direct the group and realize the vision is a constructive approach that aligns with leadership best practices, focusing on guiding the team towards common goals and the overall vision of the organization.

Question 9

Which strategy is crucial for a nurse to "start a movement"?

Accepted Answer

Being the first follower is crucial in starting a movement because it transforms a lone nut into a leader and begins to attract more followers, creating momentum.

Question 10

Chaleff asserts that followers do not orbit around a leader. Instead, followers and leaders both orbit around their:

Accepted Answer

Chaleff suggests that followers and leaders are united by their mutual purpose, indicating that they both orbit around a shared goal or objective rather than one revolving around the other.

Question 11

Which strategy can help a nurse develop as an effective or exemplary follower?

Accepted Answer

Finding one's passion in life and being passionate about what one does can significantly contribute to becoming an effective or exemplary follower. Passion fuels motivation, engagement, and the drive to excel, qualities that are valuable in any role, including that of a follower.

Question 12

Which description best portrays an effective nurse follower?

Accepted Answer

An effective nurse follower is self-directing, able to see the broader context of their work ("the bigger picture"), and values honesty in communication. This description emphasizes autonomy, critical thinking, and integrity, which are key qualities for effective followership in nursing.

Question 13

Several nurses on a unit consistently criticize new practice ideas that are generated and are rude to the new orientees and students. How should nurse leaders on this unit best help these nurses to become better followers?

Accepted Answer

Asking nurses to propose solutions to the practices they criticize encourages constructive feedback and involvement in problem-solving, fostering a more positive and collaborative work environment. This approach can help transform negative behavior into positive contributions.

Question 14

How can nurse leaders and nurse followers facilitate collaboration?

Accepted Answer

Empowering one another fosters a collaborative environment by encouraging mutual respect, shared decision-making, and collective responsibility among nurses, which enhances teamwork and improves patient care outcomes.

Question 15

A nurse can start an IV solution when nobody else can. The staff go to this nurse anytime an IV cannot be started. What type of power does this nurse have?

Accepted Answer

This nurse has expert power, which is based on the skills, knowledge, and expertise that the individual possesses, making others rely on them for specific tasks or information.

Question 16

Which action indicates the nurse is an effective follower?

Accepted Answer

Effective followers are characterized by active participation rather than passive compliance. They engage in the work environment, contribute ideas, and take initiative, which are all signs of effective followership. Being dependent on the leader, needing clear direction for every task, and not challenging ideas do not demonstrate effective followership qualities.

Question 17

A nurse follower is an active participant but is dependent on others and does not engage in critical thinking. What type of follower is this nurse?

Accepted Answer

A "Yes" person is an active participant who is dependent on others and does not engage in critical thinking, often agreeing with authority without questioning.

Question 18

How should followership be described?

Accepted Answer

Followership is considered a role that individuals choose to accept, recognizing the importance of following effectively in the dynamics of leadership and organizational success. It involves active engagement, critical thinking, and support for leadership efforts, contrary to being a passive or insignificant role.

Question 19

Using frameworks described by Kelley (1998) and Pittman, Rosenbach, and Potter (1998), which terms are most alike in their characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Sheep and subordinates are most alike as both terms describe individuals who do not actively engage or take initiative, often requiring direction and lacking critical engagement in their roles.

Question 20

Which statement made by a nurse suggests more instruction is needed about leaders and followers?

Accepted Answer

Followers are not solely dependent on leaders for direction; they can also exhibit leadership qualities and take initiative. The statement suggests a misunderstanding of the dynamic and active role followers can play in a team or organization.

Quiz 5: Followership and Empowerment