Dr. Karl Deisseroth of Stanford University Speaks on his amazing research.
Just a heads up this video is a little bit long and kind of dry especially if you aren't as interested in science, science fiction, and psychology as I am. I included it in this my RN Leadership blog because the speaker, Dr. Karl Deisseroth of Stanford University, does a few key things in the last few minutes of the video that I found to be excellent examples of leadership.
He describes throughout the video his groundbreaking research utilizing rare bacterium, archaea and fiber optics to make ground breaking strides in the treatment of brain disorders. Ok yada yada yada big deal right. Amazing man, amazing work, but why is it in a nursing blog?
Leadership Connection
If you watch the last three minutes he does two things. First he gives credit to those who came before him and made his research possible while at the same time making a case for the importance of scientific research in general. He also uses his research as a case for preserving the environment because these light responsive bacterium are rare and require a specific eco system. In both cases he is discussing micro-organisms, society at large, and how he relates and depends on them. He is aware of his relation with and dependence on to the smallest and the largest systems which he operates in. This is essential to leadership because so often leaders fail to see the value of all the components in their system. How do I fit into the big picture and relate to these overwhelming societal issues? How does each piece benefit me? What does each person bring to the table? It is about awareness. Great leaders have great awareness.
The second thing he does is present some potential ethical, and even philosophical concerns that could result from his work. So often in nursing we are called on to navigate complex ethical issues and I think more than anything we are called to do what he does here. To raise awareness. I don't need to know how I feel about long term ventilation patients, or withholding medical nutrition necessarily as much as I need to be aware that it is a complex ethical issue and everyone has a right to their own opinion. I can then help others to find their own path and their own opinion by raising awareness of all the contributing factors and things to consider. What does brain death really mean? Does tube feeding necessarily increase quality or even length of life? In leadership I can raise awareness of contributing factors surrounding controversial decisions, so that while all may not agree, understanding and compromise can be reached.
In short leadership to me today is having great awareness and raising awareness in others.
(I am probably using this for my presentation topic so nobody steal it.)
Very astute, Pete. I have also noticed that many leaders tend to think that they are more valuable than their subordinates. No matter what field you are in or company you work for, it is always a good idea to to value each member of the team and also remember that you also had to put in your time as a subordinate to get to your leadership position. So often, leaders forget where they came from and stomp all over their subordinates just because they like the power and lose respect for those who work with and for them.
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