Question

You approach the unit manager to apprise her of your concerns that the family dynamics of the patient involved may lead to staff-family and patient-family conflicts. You suggest that the physician may need to discuss the treatment plan with the family. The unit manager advises that he will arrange this discussion. If, after the meeting with family members, this is identified as a desired approach, you support the manager's decision. Your actions indicate that you are acting in what role?

a. Leadership
b. Management
c. Follower
d. Evidence-based

Answer 1

When suggesting that the physician discuss the treatment plan with the patient's family, and supporting the unit manager's decision to arrange such a discussion, your actions indicate you are acting in the role of a follower.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you approach the unit manager to apprise her of your concerns about potential staff-family and patient-family conflicts and then suggest that the physician may need to discuss the treatment plan with the family, your actions are indicative of someone acting in a supportive role within a team structure. The unit manager decides to arrange this discussion, and you agree to support this decision if it aligns with the family's wishes. This behavior aligns most closely with the role of a follower because you are responding to the direction and arrangements made by the unit manager, rather than taking charge of the situation yourself. By suggesting a course of action yet deferring to the manager's authority, you're demonstrating qualities of good followership, such as being collaborative, supportive, and flexible.