Awakeners, connectors, upholders: How varying leadership types can be applied in practice

AUSTIN, Texas — “Human-centered leadership” can help rheumatology nurses create a nurturing and productive working environment, a presenter said at the 2023 Rheumatology Nurses Society annual conference.

“What is leadership? Nobody has an answer for that,” Rachael Busch-Feuer, APRN, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, NE-BC, of Family Arthritis Center, in Florida, told attendees. “Everybody has thoughts, but nobody has a true definition.”

According to Busch-Feuer, there are three types of “human-centered leadership” — the awakener, the connector and the upholder.

The awakener commonly serves as a mentor or adviser for the growth of her employees. These leaders can be an architect of the system and an advocate for those who work for them.

Awakeners also are “risk enablers,” according to Busch-Feuer.

“I am going to give you the room to try this, let’s see if it works,” she said.

It is important for awakeners to engage their team members and recognize the decisions and problems of those who are at the front line of care, Busch-Feuer added.

“As much as we want to be everywhere at all times, it is just not reasonable,” she said. “You want to make sure you are listening and following and providing your people the ability to make changes.”

Those who fall into the awakener category are also frequently vulnerable lifelong learners.

“Be visible to others when you yourself are growing,” Busch-Feuer said.

Awakeners additionally can be “coaches” for their employees or staff.

“Be honest with feedback and address behaviors not consistent with a culture of learning,” Busch-Feuer said.

Connectors, meanwhile, often serve as collaborators with their staff.

“A collaborator unifies employees around the organization’s shared mission and vision,” Busch-Feuer said.

Many connectors are often supporters and nurturers, she added.

“Connectors encourage others to have independent ideas,” Busch-Feuer said. “They also encourage community building.”

Other attributes of a connector include being an authentic communicator.

“Being you is better,” she said. “When you do this, then comes the trust.”

Connectors can also be engineers who create pathways for new ideas. They are also “edge walkers,” who “embrace unpredictability,” according to Busch-Feuer.

“Unpredictability happens every day, from insurers or employees or patients,” she said. “We need to embrace it and make it work for us.”

Connectors can additionally be appreciators, who recognize others positively, according to Busch-Feuer.

“Sometimes, people just want to be acknowledged,” she said. “That is enough to give confidence to the people you work with.”

Lastly, upholders exhibit the “humanity part” of leadership, according to Busch-Feuer.

“You want to be mindful, you want to be present,” she said.

Mindfulness is important, as is emotional awareness of situations, particularly with patients. Upholders also should support others through empathy, kindness, empowerment and respect.

Social or organizational awareness is also important to the upholder-style leader.

“You need to be aware of you,” Busch-Feuer said. “Be human and be kind.”

Busch-Feuer closed with a comment on the specific role that nurses fill.

“We are in this job for the humanity of what we do,” she said. “The core of what we do is caring. We need to develop a culture of caring for everyone else.”