My Leadership Blog by Angharad Evans.

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I first applied to the student leadership programme for two reasons. Firstly, to enhance my CV, because who doesn’t want to stand out in a world where job prospects seem to dwindle as much as Brexit’s hopes of leaving the EU. Secondly, I have always been a passionate person: I know what I want. I know I want to better this world so any opportunity to improve my skills and make this a possibility is always welcome. In my eyes, this leadership programme was a perfect way to tick both boxes. 

Following my first degree and experience gained in life, I learned I am much more passionate regarding mental health nursing and that I will embrace any opportunity to better myself.  Little did I know how much this leadership programme would contribute to my personal and academic development.  Nursing is a course that is intense physically and mentally; the first few months were a complete shock to the mind, spirit and body. I was struggling to find that balance I was so desperately searching for, but what was one additional course to the system? Well I can safely say, I am thrilled I did.   

During my first day on the programme, I wasn’t sure what to expect. If anything, I thought it would be a few days of networking with senior individuals who could enhance my future prospects. Although there was networking, it was so much more than that. As a person, I am always searching for the ‘higher truth,’ always wanting to better myself as an individual by embracing constructive criticism; this course was exactly that.  The first day included presentations from Steve Moore, the CEO of Hywel Dda, and James Moore, the assistant Director of the ambulance service. The surname made me wonder whether being a ‘Moore’ made you more susceptible to climbing the ladder per say. Both men so humble within their roles, who reflected the importance of sticking to your values whilst working towards success.  Both had separate aspirations but a mutual interest in caring and wanting to achieve better for others within the healthcare industry. Conclusively, I learned that those in the highest positions don’t always have the most linear of journeys, providing me with hope that any opportunity is within my remit.  Even when you appear to ‘have it all’ sat in the CEO chair, it doesn’t always guarantee happiness and highlighted that regardless of our role, we must continue to improve ourselves.  The best way to configure ourselves is by improving the lives of others around us because this is where we learn about ourselves. 

The first day was perfect for my development, focusing on emotional intelligence with Beryl Mansel emphasising the importance of vulnerability. Heaslip and Board (2012) emphasise the importance of being active physically and emotionally in the lives of patients and this cannot be achieved without being vulnerable within our interactions. I have been working on this personally throughout my first year of my degree, therefore to be able to enhance my skills individually and as part of a future leader was perfect. For me, it highlighted how every leader isn’t picture-perfect; we all struggle internally but a great leader will recognise and learn from this. It highlighted that to become a leader, you don’t have to ‘have your life together,’ have done the generic ‘tick list’ of life or followed the traditional path. A leader is someone who admits their flaws, recognises them in themselves or individuals and doesn’t discriminate for them. Instead, they find ways to overcome, to grow together through one mutual goal of caring for others.

VULNERABILITY is not winning or losing: it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the OUTCOME. Anon

I thoroughly enjoyed the social aspect, making new friends, all of whom are studying different degrees with different life stories. I found we all had vulnerability in common. We had all been vulnerable in many points of our lives but despite this, it had made us all stronger people, resulting in us wanting to become future leaders so that we can provide better for others through our own experiences. The leadership programme was beneficial in providing us with skills and guidance to better our abilities. Ironically, we made ourselves vulnerable joining a new programme.  This took us to day two where many guests at the programme discussed their vulnerability. This increased my confidence emphasising that I had made the right decision. Sharing their experiences reinforced my belief of being right for this programme: how these experiences were all normal and contributed to my growth as an individual. 

STRESS is not what happens to us. It’s our response to what happens. And response is something we can CHOOSE. Maureen Killoran

Day two discussed grit and resilience: essential skills in managing university life with work, placement and trying to excel in my own personal goals. It taught me that the struggle is much more common than I thought; feelings of being overwhelmed are normal and more common amongst my peers than I thought. The workshop gave me the ability to recognise these inside myself whilst providing me with the skills and support to manage this. It made me realise how human my fellow peers and guests were and made me realise that my university has the most kind and compassionate lectures. This has increased my confidence as an individual, not only through the skills provided but the support I have experienced with staff and individuals on twitter. 

Day three complimented my current leading journey and discussed one of the most influential subjects of my first year in my degree. Compassion by Sarah Tobin was a delight to listen to; it was so inspirational, motivational and full of humour, with her passion reinforcing how much I care myself. The workshop made me reflect that regardless of your academia, the main criteria in leading is that you care and how caring can drive that passion to excel within our role.  The presentation allowed me to reflect on my own abilities and how I can further my compassionate skills through the valuable networks and support I have gained as a result of the student leadership academy. 

GRATITUDE

By the end of our final leadership programme event, I was feeling warm-heartedness for the new friends and humanity of the guests in sharing their own experiences. I am excited and ready to embrace connections and future prospects, which are now available to me as a result of this successful programme. I learned not only the depth of my own abilities, but also those who provide me guidance. This only reinforces my beliefs of heading in the right direction. I am grateful for this opportunity, not only has it enhanced my prospects, but it has been so much more. The programme has increased my assertiveness in placements, which can at times be daunting, to take the initiative with my professional goals but to also be confident and embrace myself as an individual. 

Angharad Evans, Mental Health Nursing Student.

My Journey with the Student Leadership Academy by Anita Carpenter

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When I first decided to take part in the leadership academy, I was very unsure of what I had signed myself up to. So why did I want to take part many may ask, well for me having had many setbacks in my life to getting to where I am now being at university I felt that jumping to this challenge and pushing myself into something out my comfort zone would really help to boost my self-confidence and make me look back and realise how hard I have worked to get here today. 

 I felt nervous with so many questions running around my head. Being a first-year child nursing student and still getting settled into university how could I picture myself ever being a leader? Was I cut out for it? Could I really do this? Could I really see myself as a leader? 

I came away from that first day so inspired of the stories from the speakers, I felt so empowered by their words, the one word I would use to sum it up is INSPIRATIONAL.

This journey has been one of awareness, for me and reflection upon the experiences I have had over the last year the qualities that are important to me and help to make a good leader.

“Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example” Donald H. McGannon

The first 2 days of the leadership academy really got me thinking about the following points:

  • What does it take to be a leader?
  • What sort of a leader do I want to become?
  • What attributes make a good leader?

For me to be able to see myself as a leader and a person that others would value, I felt I needed to be able to answer these questions.

Looking back at my experiences while in clinical practices, the observations I have seen of teamwork and of the mentors I had met over the last year helped me answer some of these questions. I look back at what stood out to me of one of these mentors in clinical practice and what made them have an impact on me. The approachability of one person played a big part for my learning and understanding of what makes a leader. The mentor made me realise what makes a good leader, she was willing to answer question and to educate me throughout my placement. Nothing was too much for her. For me this was a great example of what makes someone a good leader, and what sort of a leader I want to be. Even when I finished at this placement her actions and words have always stuck with me. 

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” President John Quincy Adams, USA

So, what makes a good leader? For me after my experience and from taking part in the Student leadership academy with Swansea University and having the regular coaching sessions I have seen that what makes a good leader isn’t just one think. I feel It is made up of many different things.  Being approachable is so important in this line of work. Whether it is new staff or student who need guidance and reassurance, being friendly and open as a leader makes such a difference to the team you are working with while. empowering the team to always strive to achieve any goals they have set can really help to improve the working environment around them. Being passionate about the work you do and the abilities you bring to the team workforce. Finally, determination is another attribute I feel is part of being a great leader.  Always showing that whatever may get in the way you will always push yourself to get to where you want to be and whatever it takes to make the end goal. 

“Self-awareness gives you the capacity to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes. It enables you to keep growing” Lawrence Bossidy

The leadership academy teaches you that anyone can be a leader, whatever your background, but it does not just end there is makes you think about yourself. It opens your eyes to the way you think and how you can inspire others being self-aware is so important with being a leader. Being able to realise everyone learns in different ways in order to help them achieve goals.  I feel honoured to of been part of this, it has hugely benefited me and my nursing journey and will stay with me throughout my career. Inside each of us we have the ability and power to be a leader to others we work with, It is not just having the title of leader it’s about putting yourself out there to help other’s you work alongside. Everything I have learnt through the last year and the way that one mentor made me feel will always stay with me and will ensure that is the type of leader I will be to others, empowering them to see their full potential in whatever they do.

Anita Carpenter, Child Nursing Student

My Leadership Journey – Anyone can be a leader, even me! ! By William Jones.

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This blog is a brief whistle stop tour of my leadership journey. I will discuss the important factors that I learned while on my journey to becoming a better leader. Although I had always thought of myself as someone who wasn’t afraid to take charge and be a leader it wasn’t until I began on this journey that I found out what a true leader would entail. My leadership journey began at the Swansea University Student Leadership Academy, this is a program written and designed for the students who attend one of the Swansea University College of human and health courses. While attend this program it was apparent that there was range of students from disciplines including Adult Nursing, Child Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Science.


Who is a leader?
Anyone, although this can sound almost cliché. The fact of the matter is that anyone can become a leader. The first learning point of my journey and a common mis consumption is that to be a leader you have to be a boss, this just isn’t true. While on my journey I found out that a leader can be anyone in any role at any level of power or responsibility. While the mis-consumption is often a leader had to be the boss more people are stepping up and showing there own leadership ability.


What is a leader?
A leader is someone who has leadership skills and the ability to take control of a task and get it done. Leadership isn’t about giving orders and shouting at people it’s about empowering, educating and endorsing someone’s abilities and a team’s abilities to drive them forward. A leader will support and assist but won’t be afraid to also demonstrate to get the best out of someone or out of a group.


What skills do you need to become a leader?

Without making this sound like a movie reference a leader does need to process a certain set of skills to be the best leader they can be. The biggest and most important is for the leader to be honest, by being honest a leader will gain respect from anyone they a have to deal with, but along the same lines a leader must also be authentic. Just like honesty, authenticity is just as important as it shows your true intentions. A good leader is also aware of their emotional intelligence and be able to control emotions.

You don’t have to be a confident individual to be a leader you just however have to be able to mange your self-confidence, by having a self-awareness of your limitations and being honest with yourself. Although everyone expects leaders to get it right every time this just isn’t the case, we are all human we all make mistakes but by being honest and authentic people will allow for mistakes but it is then important not to just give up. A key skill is about being resilient but also knowing your limits as well. All of these skills as well as the job of the leader is to connect with people as with out form real connections you wont gain peoples trust meaning it will be more difficult to extract their best from them.

While understanding the skills of a leader its also key to be aware of the leaderships styles with these ranging from directing where the leader is almost dictating but not helping by offering low to no support, this leads on to the coaching style where although still almost very dictatorship style they offer more support and guidance. The next style is the supporting style, this is very low directive but a lot more supportive which leads on to delegating that has low directive and also very little support. These styles are thought of as a curve allowing for leaders to almost travel along the curve into different styles.

What was involved in completing the leadership program at Swansea University?

The program comprised of three face to face seminar day’s with several guest speakers including chief executive from a NHS Wales health board, consultant paramedics, along with staff and students from the Council of Deans and also the national #150leaders program giving students the chance to become the #futureleader. The program at Swansea leadership academy was designed and written by Beryl Mansel. The program as mention had students from several disciplines, this mixture of disciplines allowed for a wider diversion of ideas and opinions creating a great stimulation of conversation all with the common goal of becoming a future leader with the confidence to be a leader that someone will look up to and respect.

What did I learn from the program?

This program has helped with my confidence in how I act but also gave me the understanding of, if I need to be a leader how do I get the best out of people. It has taught me that there isn’t just one type of leader and that every leader will have there own unique style and that our leadership journey is all about us finding our style. Just because the face to face seminars have finished it signals the beginning of the journey for me, at the moment I might see myself as one style of leadership but during my journey I might transgress into a different style, and this is where my journey will start.

William S. Jones, Paramedic Science Student.

My Blog by Amanda Matthews

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Beryl and Sam first introduced the leadership academy to me during a lecture one afternoon and I was immediately very interested in attending. I chatted about it to a few of my peers and decided that I was going to be brave and apply. Within a few weeks I received confirmation that I had been accepted onto the programme. On the first day I arrived a little nervous and apprehensive about what to expect. Those nerves soon passed when the group started interacting with each other and, everyone else also expressed how nervous they were feeling. On days two and three I was much more relaxed as everyone in the room was familiar. ​ I was pleased to see that we all had to sit in certain places which made it easier to break the ice as I did not know anyone. The three days were run well with lots of interactive group work and activities. As the days progressed I built relationships with other first year training adult nurses, paramedics, midwifes and mental health nurses. It was very interesting and inspiring to learn about others journeys in life, why they wanted to be a healthcare professional and why they were on the leadership programme.


We listened to several inspirational speakers over the three days and I learnt a lot about the type of person I am from personality testing to understanding the role of emotional intelligence in life. I also now have a better understanding about the type of nurse I aspire to become and key ways to build my confidence, develop my emotional intelligence and to become more resilient.


Beryl gave a presentation on how to develop your leadership persona. I found several really useful points to take away. These included ‘fake it till you make it’ by imitating confidence and having a positive attitude can go a long way in developing your confidence and enabling change in your behaviour. I also learnt six ways to improve my self-confidence. I was familiar with a few of these already but, I have since adopted a power pose which I have been using well whilst out on placement. Since the leadership programme began I have made an effort to make more time for myself and to become more self-caring!
Two guest speakers that that stood out for me over the three days were the talks from the Hywel Dda Chief Executive, Steve Moore and Sarah Tobin, University of Plymouth. Steve’s journey was very inspiring and it made me believe that I can achieve my goals and more! It also helped me to understanding the different paths life can take you down and what you can achieve from each experience. The talk from Sarah Tobin on her leadership journey on compassion highlighted the importance of compassion in all aspects of healthcare and, helped us understand the importance of it in every patients journey….I learnt that without compassionate leadership, there cannot be compassionate care.

The Student Leadership Academy allocated me a coach who was an associate director from the Royal College of Nursing. We met shortly after the first two days of the academy and she was a great help in my leadership journey. She is an inspirational role model on how a nurse can progress through the NHS and into an associate director position whilst accomplishing great achievements along the way. During our session we focused on both her and my career history, identifying and developing leadership skills and style whilst exploring career aspirations. I hope to keep in touch with my coach in the future.


Overall, the Student Leadership Academy has inspired me to set personal and professional goals for myself to not only be a future leader, but be a strong leader as a student nurse. It has also given me the confidence to aim high and peruse my long term career goals and most importantly believe that I can do it! The experience has highlighted the importance of social networking and social media in building my knowledge and confidence in the nursing field and things associated with nursing.


Since joining the Student Leadership Academy, I have joined twitter and have created a linked in networking account. Myself, and another student from St David’s which I met on the course have agreed to attend the Chief Nursing Officer’s conference in Cardiff in 2020 and the Royal College of Nursing Annual Conference in 2020.​
I hope to be involved in many more student leadership events.
Amanda Matthews, Adult Nursing Student.

How to Communicate the Right Way by Carys Hughes

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My journey began when I was sat in the Vivian Tower awaiting a lecture when Beryl Mansel approached our group of eagerly awaiting midwifery students. She introduced “The Student Leadership Academy” – I had no idea what this would entail. I was intrigued to find out more and so applied via submitting written work on why I should be offered a place. Having had previous exposure to opportunities of leadership, such as being chairman for my local Young Farmers Club, I thought that leadership was self-explanatory: practising public speaking, organisational skills and representing the organisation. I did however understand the importance of leadership in developing you as a person; but I wanted to enhance this by being more confident and assertive in every day life and I hoped my enthusiasm would be portrayed in my application.

            On Monday 25th March 2019 my leadership journey came to a fork in the road. The two-day welcome event full of guest speakers from different walks of the healthcare profession addressing different aspects of leadership inspired me to take my direction. The path that I followed was influenced by Beryl and her lecture on “Developing Your Leadership Persona”. She highlighted that an authentic leader is one that wants to make a positive impact through trust, vulnerability and passion (Wright, 2015): three attributes in which I imagined to carry throughout my midwifery career. I knew that the key element for thriving with these attributes within midwifery would be self-confidence. Self-confidence and a person who others have confidence in are closely related and is associated with positive outcomes and success through optimism and efficacy (Bedwell, 2012), and that was where I felt that I required improvement.  

Then came the next challenge, the three-month coaching programme. I met with the truly motivational Dr Julia Terry, my coach, and associate professor and academic lead for public and patient involvement in health programmes in the College of Human and Health Sciences at Swansea University. My goal was to improve my self-confidence through communication and assertiveness. Through three meetings my self-confidence flourished. The initial meeting took place at Dr Terry’s office and through conversation we got to know each other well, where Dr Terry highlighted skills in which I didn’t know that I had: already improving my self-confidence. She then considered a development plan for myself, being aware of the obstacles in my path and my future goals. She also provided me with a challenge before my next meeting: to put myself in three unfamiliar, compromising situations; putting myself out there and facing my fears: making a conversation with three different people. Our next meeting took place in a coffee shop on campus, where my challenges were reviewed, focusing on the improvements that I had made and the positive points. A new, more impressive, challenge was given to me: to make a conversation with someone who I felt was more powerful than me. The third and final meeting consisted of a walk around the beautiful campus gardens. To conclude my journey, we focused on where I was as a person now. Dr Terry urged me to foster and hold on to my innate attributes and also those in which I had gained, to flourish and strive for my goals to become an aspiring future leader.

“The best way to gain self-confidence is to do what you are afraid to do” Anonymous.

For me, the issue of overcoming my increasing fear of comfortably making conversation with individuals and groups of people on a personal level within practice was of great significance when building comforting and trusting relationships with women and their families through what can be a worrying time for some. I need to be able to give the best care throughout my midwifery career and so, self-confidence was the first challenge I needed to face to improve my behaviour. Through the journey guided by Dr Terry, I learnt that resilience builds self-confidence and is essential within the healthcare environment. To be able take the hit but to come back fighting and stronger as a result will give you emotional intelligence to be aware of your emotions. This reminded me that I already possessed the strongest and most important virtue required to augment self-confidence: compassion.  

Having reflected on the importance of self-confidence within healthcare, I now realise the root from which self-confidence challenges arise. Equality and diversity are words that some people can tend to forget, thus building a hierarchy within society. Self-confidence is essential to break down these barriers and I realised that I must challenge this on my leadership journey. In the words of Dr Alys Einion (2019), “the first step in recognising equality and diversity is knowledge, awareness and challenging our perceptions”.

Leadership is a skill that is apparent throughout every profession, society and in day to day routine; and I believe that our generation requires the ability to be able to put this skill into practice to give yourself the greatest potential of succeeding.  I am excited to continue my leadership journey and to create new goals.  Self-confidence is one skill that I am now more aware of, it is one stepping stone that I have completed on my journey.  I am now eagerly awaiting the next! 

#futureleaders #arweinyddydyfodol

Carys Hughes 

1st year Midwifery student – Swansea University 

References:

Bedwell, C. (2012). An analysis of the meaning of confidence in midwives undertaking intrapartum care (Doctoral dissertation, University of Manchester).

Wright, R. (2015). It’s messy being authentic – lessons learned on the road to becoming an authentic leader. Strategic HR Review, 14(3), 79-84. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/SHR-03-2015-0024

My Story by Lucy Cant.

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I was unsure about studying nursing at the age of 40, I attended an open day at Swansea university after applying to study adult nursing and truly felt that I would not get offered a place as I felt unworthy. I wasn’t an academic, I was a carer, a mother, a friend. I had been told that the university wanted to teach students to be nurses from scratch. That anyone with experience would have bad habits and that they would strip you down and train you up, their way.

To me, that was a horrendous thought. I had learned so much over 25 years working in care. I didn’t want to lose who I was. I began to doubt my dream of becoming a nurse. I was worried that I was wrong because I wanted to make a change. Wrong that I knew where I wanted to work when I qualified as a nurse and wrong that I already knew that Palliative care was ‘my thing’.

So, on that open day, I chatted with everyone and collected tons of information, along with multiple free pens! I still felt that maybe a nursing degree was the wrong choice for me, that was until I sat down and chatted to Beryl. It had been a long morning, lots of information to take on board. By the time I sat down with Beryl I had pretty much decided that I wouldn’t get an offer and that it was just a silly dream. Beryl must have picked up on this and we proceeded with a chat that changed my life. I explained my fears of having gained bad habits in care, like an experienced driver trying their driving test again and failing. I explained that I didn’t want to be stripped down. I didn’t want to lose my hard earned knowledge and skills. Beryl looked me in the eye, told me I was valuable and that she would love me to be a nursing student if it was her choice.

10 minutes changed my life.

A year later, I am an adult nursing student, who also got a place with the student leadership academy. When we met up in March, I felt I had found my people. There were other students with life experience, who wanted to make a change, who wanted to lead.

Some influential speakers and mentors wanted to impart their knowledge and share their journeys with us. I had two days with my tribe, to date, the most important days of my university journey. I learned that people not only value experience but want to hear all about it and learn from it. I have been told who my leadership coach is and am totally blown away. I can’t decide if it is pure luck or whether someone truly took a look at me and recognised qualities that for years, I have been waiting for the world to see. I’m slowly beginning to believe it is the latter. I feel like a child on Christmas morning. I am excited for the future and cannot wait to meet up with my tribe again.

So, I’d like to say a great big thankyou to Beryl. Your belief in me, changed my life.

Lucy Cant, Adult Nursing Student.

Small Steps Everyday by Heledd Davies

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My Leadership Journey with the Swansea University Leadership Academy.

It all started when two student leadership programme representatives came to talk to our cohort in the break of our lecture. We were gathered around the table, collectively day dreaming about our lunch and when a new voice and a positive attitude woke us up and got us listening. This is when I was introduced to the Swansea University Student Leadership Academy. I quickly re-discovered my twitter account to join @SWANSLA. I’ve been told many times that It’s important to take every opportunity that is given to you, and it’s true. The thought of joining a leadership programme scared me but with the support of my fellow Paramedic Students I applied and was fortunate enough to be accepted. 

Although we walked in to the first welcome day as a group of nervous student Paramedics, we walked out as inspired, confident and reassured individuals looking forward to the steps ahead. The team were welcoming and friendly throughout and this brought individuals out of their shell, including me. 

On the first day the Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Helalthboard, Steve Moore came to talk to us about the importance of networking within leadership. Steve answered all our questions thoroughly and listening to his leadership journey gave me confidence to pursue mine. He reminded us that it’s a journey and not a race and therefore will be full of highs and lows. I believe this is something I kept in mind when my personal development seemed like it was plateauing, not progressing and I didn’t feel embarrassed about my mistakes whereas before I would’ve felt ashamed and scared to try again. 

‘The beautiful thing about fear is, when you run to it, it runs away’  Robin Sharma.

The guest speakers were honest and truly inspiring which made me feel that we were one team and all in the journey together to make a difference. I soon realised what I needed to work on to benefit from the leadership program was Self-care and Resilience. I scored low in my self-care questionnaire and realised I don’t prioritise myself enough. 

My coach, was a Paramedic and Health Board Clinical Lead at the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust. The aspects within the Resilience wheel that I and my coach concentrated on were the Mental and Emotional quadrants. I often feel the need to be active and notice the difference it makes to my resilience; therefore, I believe I use the Physical quadrant quite well. A coping mechanism I have practised is ‘Perspective’. When my self-belief is low and I feel unmotivated, I like to actively think and put my situation into perspective. I quickly feel a little more positive about life because of it. Additionally, I have been putting less pressure on myself to perform perfectly, therefore when I fail or do a mistake, I don’t let it affect me like it used to. In turn, this has improved my resilience to negative comments and my own negative thoughts. I am able to control my emotions when I need to pick myself back up which is another quadrant of the Resilience wheel I have improved.

Self-care is often ignored due to a busy schedule and constantly having your mind on the next task or challenge or striving to put others first as a leader. I found that instead of putting myself first, I would concentrate too much on pleasing others and stressing over the little things. I find that putting things into perspective can lift my mood, especially going for a run or doing some form of exercise. Another aspect that I and my coach discussed was positivity. When we discussed my strengths and weaknesses there were few strengths and many weaknesses. My coach made me think of different experiences during placement where things went well and through more feedback from my placement mentors, I became more aware of my strengths.

Another aspect I worked on was feedback. I’ve always doubted my decisions and behaviour out on practice placement which has a knock-on effect on my confidence. By requesting more feedback from mentors and colleges, I realised that some aspects I was worried about were not as bad as I once thought and the positive comments, I received were very uplifting. I did this by implementing the TGROW (Topic, Goal, Reality, Options, Will) framework with my coach. The model made it easy for me to identify the Topic and Goal and my coach was able to highlight the Reality of my goals and discuss what progress I have made so far. By keeping a diary of my placement, I was able to reflect on previous situations and discuss them. I personally felt this was beneficial as my coach was able to identify the positives that I didn’t see before and consequently, I was able to implement my Options and Will aspects of the model.

The leadership journey has made me realise the importance of networking and how feedback can build on my confidence for the next challenge. Additionally, communicating with individuals while out on placement gives me the confidence to talk with anyone and appreciate individual differences.

I believe my leadership journey was about self-development and becoming a better version of me. I hope this will assist me to support and lead others in the future. I have learnt that people are much stronger together and there will always be someone who wants to help. I’m not afraid to ask for feedback and support anymore, as it helps me reflect on my mistakes and celebrate my achievements. Through gaining self-confidence and experience, I will have the opportunity to practice and progress my leadership skills. The leadership programme has enabled me to meet new lifelong friends and has brought existing friends even closer. Nothing was too much trouble for my coach and the leadership team and being a member has encouraged me one small step every day, to become a future Paramedic.

Heledd Davies, Paramedic Science Student

My Student Leadership Academy Journey by Rebecca Davies

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It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of the first cohort of the Student Leadership Academy (SLA). What an inspirational opportunity, learning from the wealth of knowledge and experience of all the guest speakers. Although, initially it was extremely daunting walking in on the first day not knowing anyone. I found myself wondering, what have I let myself in for? We were assigned a seat, which was strategically planned, so that we all came from different health care professions. I thought this was very clever, as it instantly gave us a starting point for discussions. Ranging from comparing courses, placements, to why we chose the course and also the SLA. This instantly put me at ease and I came to the realisation that we are all in the same boat, all inspired by the future of healthcare.

The workshop started with an insight into emotional intelligence, the importance of self and social awareness, identifying the affect it can have on others. We then had to work in groups to design a poster on emotional intelligence. This gave us the opportunity to get to know each other further and show how we each demonstrate different leadership skills, allowing us to draw together as a team bringing out the best in everyone. We chose to do ours in the shape of a flower, as already by this stage we were discovering how this journey was going to allow us to bud and grow like a flower.

When meeting my coach for the first time I was extremely nervous and anxious. If I am honest, I really didn’t know what to expect. In hindsight I didn’t need to worry, as she was so genuine and welcoming. We started by talking about ourselves, and our journey to date. One thing I have learned from my coach and the guest speakers, is that even individuals in high leadership roles have not always envisaged that’s where they would be today. Similarly, their journeys haven’t been straightforward and they too have taken many different directions, experiencing highs and lows along the way. Prior to meeting my coach, I had put my past as a hairdresser and running my family’s business firmly sealed in a closed box, thinking it was just that, my past. My coach enabled me to see that it has shaped who I am today and how it can impact me for the better going forward in midwifery and leadership. I had a habit of saying the detrimental word, only. “I was only a hairdresser”, but I now realise that I have gained many transferable skills, I was in fact an entrepreneur and this is the journey that I was destined to take in order to gain life experience and learn along the way.

The SLA has enabled me to further understand that everyone is individual, and we all have individual traits that allow us to be leaders in everyday life. This was emphasised through the feedback boxes, where we were encouraged to write something positive about people in the room and place them into a box which had their name on. When opening mine, I realised how much easier it is complimenting someone than to receive a compliment yourself. Yet on reading the comments, it made me feel really positive. I now understand that at some point everyone has experienced imposter syndrome, just like me walking in on the first day, wondering what I had let myself in for. I realise that it is important to put yourself out of your comfort zone, if it means a good learning opportunity that allows you to grow. The SLA has given me an understanding of the importance of authentic leadership and how vital self-confidence, honesty and transparency can be.

I have learned a great deal from the SLA workshops, guest speakers, my cohort and not to mention my coach. I now have more appreciation for the value of networking. Working within multi-disciplinary teams, it is important to explore and understand other roles. The SLA has provided me the opportunity and confidence to do this. Going forward, I will be taking away so much from being a part of the SLA. Starting with always having a CV up to date, as you never know what is around the corner. I am now able to identify leadership throughout life in general and adapt this throughout my career in the healthcare profession. Ensuring that I am genuine and as true as I can possibly be, whilst always being kind and compassionate. It is invaluable to remember how our decisions and actions impact others and it is our duty to ensure that everyone can be the best we can be. I for one will continue to embrace every opportunity that comes my way and that enables me to make a difference, no matter how small. 

Rebecca Davies, Student Midwife.

Learning to Lead Amongst Chaos and Conflict by Simon James

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            With some interesting life experiences behind me, I know who I am as person and I have goals I wish to achieve. During my first few weeks of lectures at the beginning of my Adult Nursing course Beryl Mansel (Lecturer/ Mental Health Nurse/ Founder of the Academy) spiked my interest in attending a taster session for the 
Swansea Student Leadership Academy 2019 (@SWANSLA).

My Leadership Background

I wouldn’t have described myself as a leader in any shape or form before participating in the programme, or @SWANSLA for all those ‘twitter savvy’ individuals. Consequently, I have analysed my leadership traits and recognised there are areas for improvement but also, I already have leadership skills I didn’t realise I had.

            In my past life before starting my nursing degree I have been employed in many roles in the hospitality sector and most recently the NHS. I have supervised bars and managed nightclubs and a bowling alley. However, I was never given any formal training in almost all of these jobs and had to essentially make it up as I went along. I come from a background of hard work and physical resilience and if someone wasn’t pulling their weight, I would invariably pick up the slack. 

You Don’t Have To Be A Manager To Be A Leader!

So Where Does Conflict Come Into It?

After making the connection with my leadership mentor/coach over the phone and face-to-face, we realised the area I have struggled with most is dealing with conflict. At the very beginning of my working life, I regularly had to manage busy and potentially volatile situations in the form of children’s parties (dressed in a very hot and claustrophobic mascot costume I might add) whilst employed by a well-known fast food chain. Later on, behind the bar, many a time I experienced conflict. All these instances involved people I did not know, however, from the conception of my career journey through the NHS and university, I have had to witness and deal with conflicting and obstructive views from my colleagues, patients and relatives.  

During our first workshop, I concluded that I am an introvert and am not the most vocal. I like to take a considered approach and used to believe it to be a downfall. However, it is not, as stated by none other than Winston Churchill who said “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” To me this means that and you need to embrace all types of people within the team and listen to their views. The programme has highlighted the need to ensure the team shares the same vision and are focussed on delivering and achieving the desired outcome. 

Previously, I have worked alongside some strong characters and it was at those times, in hindsight, I felt that my leadership skills were tested. I often found myself in a position where I did not feel anywhere like a leader. I have since actively sought out as many qualified members of staff on my placements and observed how they practise leadership in the face of conflict. The National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest customer service industries there is, and it’s a minefield to make sure patients, staff and anyone else who comes into contact with the service is satisfied with the outcome. 

Impact

Through @SWANSLA I had the opportunity to attend and speak at the South West Regional Conference in Plymouth in May 2019. Sam Richards (Mental Health Nursing Student) and I were given the task of delivering a 10-minute flash talk on the Swansea Student Leadership Academy. It was my first time speaking to such a large audience. Initially it was a daunting prospect but with the support of my colleagues, and an accepting audience I got through it and found it rewarding and invigorating.

The study days provided by @SWANSLA have been packed with some very inspirational speakers from within the NHS and other areas, which I have related to and resonated with.

Since attending the workshops, I have felt more confident when on placement to involve myself in care planning exercises and to question and challenge treatment pathways to meet the best interests of the patients I am caring for. 

In addition, I have applied to be part of the ‘Buddy Scheme’ in the college which assists the new students to the course find their feet, and gives them a student point of contact for any queries they may have.

I have made new friends and contacts in the healthcare field as a result of participating in @SWANSLA. We have a twitter group which has enabled me to connect with a wider community who share my passions regarding healthcare and leadership. 

 Most importantly I have come to realise I possess a lot of potential and want to harness it and direct it. I have learned that I already have core leadership qualities and have identified the ones I need to enhance and improve upon. It is the start of my leadership and learning journey and I am excited to meet and tackle the obstacles ahead.

THE OPPORTUNITES ARE ENDLESS, YOU JUST HAVE TO TAKE THEM!!!!!!!!!!

About the Author

 Simon James Adult Nursing Student at Swansea University (UK).

   All views expressed are my own.

References

Find the Courage to Listen. (2012). US Fed News Service, Including US State News, p. US Fed News Service, Including US State News, Apr 19, 2012.

Tanveer Naseer Leadership (2019). The Great and Perilous Leadership Journey Ahead.

www.tanveernaseer.com

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Confidence: a quality of being certain of your own abilities and having trust in people, plans or the future by Melanie Nwanya

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It may come as a surprise to most people that I meet that I often lack confidence. I am told that I come across as a confident and outspoken person who knows her strengths and weaknesses and is secure in her position and calling in life. What is not obvious is that I have wrestled with self-doubt, indecision and a feeling of having to prove myself most of my life. Since starting the MSc Nursing programme at Swansea University I have regularly felt like an imposter. I would ask myself questions such as:

Can I do this? Do they know I’m not as good as I appear? What if they find out I’m not the person I portray? 

Joining the Swansea University Student Leadership Academy (SLA) has continuously and unrelentingly challenged me to assess the way I think about myself and how negative thoughts impact on the way that I treat others. I have been gently pushed and prodded to consider how this “imposter mentality” impacts on how I can contribute to leadership and followership within healthcare. If I can not trust my abilities and strengths how am I able to trust others? Having dreams of being a champion for improving care in nursing means that I must get to grips with trusting my strengths and have a good understanding of my weaknesses. In one of the discussions during the SLA sessions Paul Labourne said that knowing others is intelligence but knowing oneself is wisdom. The SLA has guided me with opportunities to explore the way I think and respond to situations and has helped me realise that not everyone thinks the same way I do. 

During the programme Steve Moore (Chief executive of Hywel Dda Health Board) shared his leadership journey which struck a note with me. He said that it is easy to be held back by what I think are the limits of my capabilities. I must challenge myself to move past my insecurities to do what is in-front of me very well. 

Low confidence stems from a fear of failure. The SLA has taught me that failure is an opportunity to grow and build resilience. By doing the small things well that are in-front of me daily, I can gain confidence in who I am and what I am doing. This holds true particularly in nursing. Attention to detail and seemingly small and insignificant acts of basic patient care, completed with patience and skill, has a massive impact on the overall person-centred holistic care that I offer patients. By doing the thing in-front of me well will hopefully inspire others to do so too and will also allow me to gain a deeper understanding of how to be a better follower. 

Failure is part and parcel of being human. I will fail at something or other at some point on my leadership journey. Having a growth mindset during difficult times will eliminate the fear of failing. Leadership arrives amidst a story of perseverance through failures and not simply at the point of success. Middaugh (2017) in her article entitled “True Grit” describes the characteristics that promote resilience. These include having a strong social network of support, having a positive self-image and belief in my abilities, being able to control impulses and strong feelings, being good at communicating and problem solving during difficult seasons, and seeing yourself as resilient and not a victim. 

As we round up the SLA programme, I am quietly confident that I have the characteristics needed to be a leader in health. Not necessarily as a manager or trail blazer, but as a staff nurse who will focus on the task in-front of her and will hopefully inspire others by doing the thing in-front of her well. I will continue to work on maintaining the much-needed qualities of grit and resilience. So that I can have a growth mentality. So that I can cope with the pressures of healthcare. So that I can nurture a positive view of myself and my abilities. The SLA has profoundly helped me to understand and reply to the questions of self-doubt that I asked myself at the beginning of my nurse training:

Can I do this?  Do what is in-front of me well, don’t worry about the future.

Do they know I’m not as good as I appear? Do what is in-front of me well, don’t worry about the future. 

What if they find out I’m not the person I portray? Do what is in-front of me well, don’t worry about the future. 

I will endeavour to take the vital lessons I’ve learnt and the connections I’ve made through the SLA with me for many years to come.

Thank you Swansea University Student Leadership Academy!

Melanie Nwanya

First year MSc Adult Nursing Student

Reference

Middaugh, D. J. (2017). True Grit! MedSurg Nursing, 26(5), 347.