Becoming a Reflective Practitioner, 6th Edition

CHAPTER 19Becoming a Leader: A Little Voice in a Big Arena

Christopher Johns

Introduction

A common trigger for reflection is conflict. It makes practitioners feel uncomfortable because of the negative emotions it often evokes and the lack of skill in dealing positively with it.

The struggle with conflict is illustrated in Sally’s narrative ‘A little voice in a big arena’ written to fulfil the conflict management assignment five months into the MSc Leadership in healthcare degree.¹ Her writing reflects how she is just getting to grips with reflective practice, becoming a leader and narrative expression.

As with all reflective narratives, move into dialogue with it to draw your own insights and consider how it might inform your own practice. Indeed, use Sally’s narrative as a trigger for your own reflection.

A Little Voice in a Big Arena

I work as a deputy ward manager within an elective orthopaedic unit. It is an ever‐demanding job! Policies and protocols, targets, deadlines, and budgets are the everyday reality. Against this background, front line staff, like myself, struggle to provide patient‐centred service in a system that seems intent on constraining rather than enabling effective practice and leadership. I work alongside my Ward Manager. My role is often one of confusion and difficulty. I am viewed as a leader but not completely let off my reins. When those reins are sometimes dropped, I find I’m pulled back with the understanding I wasn’t ready to go it alone!

With ...