When a nurse enters into an open dialogue about policies affecting infection rates, which leadership style are they engaging in?

Engaging in open dialogue about policies affecting infection rates exemplifies participative leadership. This style emphasizes collaboration and seeks input from team members, fostering an environment where everyone’s perspective is valued. In this scenario, the nurse is actively involving colleagues in discussions that can influence patient safety and infection control, reflecting a commitment to teamwork and shared decision-making.

Participative leadership not only enhances team morale but also leverages the knowledge and experience of team members, leading to more informed and effective policy outcomes. This approach allows for diverse viewpoints, which can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in practices that directly relate to infection rates.

In contrast, other leadership styles, such as transformational leadership which focuses on inspiring and motivating teams toward a shared vision, or servant leadership which centers on serving the needs of the team, do not capture the essence of the dialogue-focused approach. Autocratic leadership, characterized by top-down decision-making without input from team members, starkly contrasts with open dialogue, as it does not promote collaboration or shared governance. Thus, participative leadership is the appropriate classification for the nurse's actions in this scenario.