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The makings of an effective leader in adult social care

We know that leadership is pivotal to the quality of care and that good leaders don’t just appear - they need to be grown from the ground up. Nurturing talent not only means rising to the current challenges of succession planning and workforce planning, it also requires that we create lasting solutions which improve the quality of care.

We need capable, strong, confident leaders at all levels, supported by a wider community of leaders making the difference every day to others. Excellent leaders help develop a motivated, confident, and caring workforce that is both highly skilled, and most importantly, valued by all those needing care and support.

Are leadership and management the same?
Although leadership and management go hand in hand in partnership, they are not the same things. Management is what we do - tasks, jobs, positions, titles - but leadership is how we do things, the way we behave, the culture we promote and how others perceive us.

It's true that leadership and management are often intertwined, with many leaders found to be responsible for managing junior members of the team, or even managing entire organisations. However, it’s important to realise that this isn’t always the case. Leadership qualities are not only found in managers, but also in those who are considered a ‘go-to’ person within the organisation. This could include those who take the lead in areas of work which require specialist skills, or those who simply have a passion or interest in a particular topic which they are happy to lead on.

Support for leaders at all levels
There are many opportunities available to support leaders. This could be through structured learning in the form of qualifications or learning programmes, practical support such as eLearning modules and webinars, or through more informal channels such as networking or knowledge transfer sessions.

All leaders should constantly be looking for new ways to develop their skills and knowledge; reading articles, watching videos, discussing with colleagues and looking for opportunities to join training courses or online workshops can often inspire and provoke new ideas. For those looking to upskill their workforce, it’s important to look at individual needs and consider which approach will have the most potential for future growth.

If you’re wishing to progress and move into leadership roles, it would be beneficial to have a conversation with your line manager and explore the opportunities available.

For more information and to take a look at some of the resources we have available to support you, visit our #DevelopingManagers spotlight.

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