Final answer:
Assertive communication skills are essential for a democratic leader in nursing to effectively engage team members and build consensus. This type of communication fosters open and honest dialogue while respecting individual views, which is crucial for collaborative environments like healthcare settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of nursing leadership styles, a democratic leader would benefit most from assertive communication skills (C). Assertive communication is characterized by open and honest dialogue while respecting the views and positions of others. This style of communication ensures that a leader can express their own needs and desires, while also valuing and inviting the input and participation of team members.
Assertive communication is essential for a democratic leader because it facilitates effective group participation and consensus building. Unlike passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive communication skills, assertiveness enables democratic leaders to maintain a balance between being direct with their expectations and remaining diplomatic and receptive to others' opinions. Thus, assertive communication is the cornerstone for successful implementation of a democratic leadership style, particularly in nursing where collaboration and teamwork are crucial.
Moreover, in contrast to authoritarian leadership where communication flows top-down, democratic leadership requires a more participatory approach to decision-making. This open communication model fosters a conducive environment for group involvement and shared responsibility.