Which leadership style encourages shared decision-making among staff in a skilled nursing environment?

Servant leadership is characterized by a focus on serving others, promoting the well-being of team members, and fostering a collaborative work environment. In skilled nursing settings, this leadership style is particularly effective because it encourages shared decision-making among staff. Leaders who adopt a servant leadership approach prioritize the needs of their employees, empowering them to contribute to decisions that affect their work and the care of residents. This involvement not only enhances job satisfaction and morale but also leads to improved outcomes for residents as staff members feel more valued and engaged in their roles.

In contrast, the other leadership styles do not inherently promote shared decision-making. Authoritarian leadership tends to centralize decision-making authority with the leader, leaving little room for input from staff. Transactional leadership focuses on exchanges and rewards for performance, which may limit collaborative efforts. Bureaucratic leadership emphasizes strict adherence to rules and procedures, often at the expense of staff autonomy and empowerment. Thus, servant leadership stands out as the most supportive approach for fostering collaboration and inclusion in decision-making within skilled nursing environments.