In my original answers I agreed that paramedics are leaders and I still believe they are in
their own way, they may not be the typical leader you think of but, they indeed are. I stated that
leadership does differ from management at the beginning of this learning outcome and also that
leadership skills can be learned. I think paramedics can, and should, set personal examples of
excellence in their workplace. I disagree that leaders are born, not made, as I think a person can
grow into a leadership role. Gaining knowledge or perspective on different experiences and
situations can both contribute to how you can become a leader. The idea that individuals function
best with a leadership style that matches their own I believe to be true. Even when taking the
situation into account, I disagree with the idea that all leadership styles can be applied
effectively. I don’t believe that a leader’s personal style has to match their job demands in order
to be an efficient way of leading.
Two of my original answers have changed since reading through the course material. One
being that I do believe all leaderships styles are effective depending on the situation. The other
being that a leader’s personal style has to match their job demands. A leader possesses a certain
number of qualities that make them successful at being in a leadership role, no matter what
leadership style they use (M. Robertson, LO2, 6.1, May 6, 2022). There are names for all
different types of leadership styles as they all have worked in various situations under different
circumstances (M. Robertson, LO2, 7.1, May 6, 2022).
I believe that it is very important for all paramedics to set personal examples of
excellence. As a paramedic you must be constantly learning and have an open mind. This field of
practice never stops advancing and you need to be up to date on your practice at all times. Also,
this job requires a lot of teamwork and having a good relationship with them can greatly increase
your effectiveness and respect for one another (M. Robertson, LO2, 8.3, May 6, 2022). It is
important to me because I believe in order to perform to the best of your ability you must retain a
level of personal excellence.
I aim to be a situational leader in my paramedic practice. As every situation you face as a
paramedic is different and you have to adapt to it. I also must strive to achieve interpersonal
skills to develop strong leadership skills. Having strong empathy for the patients you care for is
also incredibly important as they could be having their worst day or their best (Cleveland Clinic,
2013). This includes building good relationships with my coworkers, helping and inspiring
others, as well as setting my own goals and striving to improve my strengths consistently
(Caroline, N. L., p. 10, 2020). Throughout my career I will grow and advance through the five
levels of leadership (J. Maxwell, 2016).
A new quote I found personally motivating is “A leader leads by example, whether [s]he
intends to or not.” (Anonymous, n.d). It’s inspiring to me because I believe you can lead whether
you intend to or not. Just through your actions and how you preform can provide inspiration to
another person. At all times throughout your practice, you should be able to lead by example.
References
https://online.saskpolytech.ca/d2l/le/content/223770/viewContent/8732396/View
8.3 Working Collaboratively
https://online.saskpolytech.ca/d2l/le/content/223770/viewContent/8732394/View
7.1 Leadership styles
https://online.saskpolytech.ca/d2l/le/content/223770/viewContent/8732356/View
6.1 Leadership
5 critical EMS leadership traits to achieve the IHI triple aim. EMS1. (2016, June 9). Retrieved
May 7, 2022, from https://www.ems1.com/ems-products/consulting-management-andlegal-services/articles/5-critical-ems-leadership-traits-to-achieve-the-ihi-triple-aimcdU8GnurASgQXnCK/
YouTube. (2016, January 11). Special editioJonhn C maxwell 5 level of leadership - 360 degree
leadership. YouTube. Retrieved May 7, 2022, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATDbUDkFdZA
Caroline, N L. (2020). Professionalism. In Nancy Caroline's: Emergency care in the Streets.
essay, Jones & Bartlett Learning.
ClevelandClinic. (2013, February 27). Empathy: The human connection to patient care.
YouTube. Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDDWvj_qo8