What is Democratic Leadership in Nursing? (PLUS, Pros VS. Cons, Characteristics, & How to Become)

Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA

Are you a nurse leader or dreaming of becoming one? Do you value the thoughts and ideas of others? Do team building, collaboration, and professional growth mean a lot to you? If so, the style of leadership that suits you best may be democratic leadership in nursing.

There are many types of leadership in nursing. Therefore, you may question, “What is democratic leadership in nursing?" or "How is it different from other types of leadership?" In this article, I will shed some light on the topic by sharing some insight into the democratic nursing leadership style. As you continue reading, you will learn about the pros and cons of this type of leadership, discover the characteristics of a democratic nurse leader, and find ways to succeed as a democratic nurse leader.

What Is Democratic Leadership In Nursing?

Democratic leadership in nursing is a leadership style known as shared or participative leadership. This type of leadership prioritizes teamwork and collaboration among nurses, including team members in decision-making processes. Democratic nursing leadership encourages shared responsibility, trust, transparency, and a willingness to work together.

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3 Main Pros Of Democratic Leadership In Nursing

There are many advantages of democratic leadership in nursing. The following are three of the main pros to consider.

Pro #1: Democratic Leadership Promotes Team Building

Because the democratic leadership style in nursing encourages collaboration, it often leads to effective building of strong nursing teams. Strong team building is possible because, with a democratic leadership style, team members are recognized for their uniqueness and understand the importance of combining their qualities to promote positive patient and team outcomes.

One thing I have learned through my years as a nurse is that the stronger the nursing team, the better the patient care and increased job satisfaction. Early in my nursing career, I worked with a nurse leader who taught me to value every nurse I worked with, regardless of their level of education, years of experience, or job title. Her democratic approach to leadership made a significant difference in our team dynamics.

Pro #2: Teams Are More Productive

Nurses who work with democratic leaders in nursing feel empowered because they are encouraged to actively participate in brainstorming, planning, and implementing interventions to improve patient, employee, and organizational outcomes. As a result of feeling empowered, they tend to be more productive, actively achieving goals and setting standards for high quality care.

Pro #3: Leads to Good Employee Morale and Lower Rate of Turnover

The democratic nurse leader understands the importance of valuing each team member and does so intentionally. Because team members feel valued, it creates a positive work environment, which improves employee morale, resulting in lower rates of turnover, which is crucial in a time when we are facing a nationwide shortage of nurses.

3 Main Cons Of Democratic Leadership In Nursing

Although there are advantages to democratic leadership in nursing, there are also disadvantages to consider. The following are a few of the cons of this type of leadership style in nursing.

Con #1: The Decision-Making Process Can Be Slow

While democratic leadership in nursing certainly has its advantages, one drawback is that because leaders try to consider all team members' opinions or input, making decisions can become a slow process. Involving your team by asking their thoughts and ideas and drawing from their experiences and expertise is an excellent way to build a strong team. Just remember, as a leader, it is your responsibility to ensure patient needs are met in a timely manner. So, if the decision-making process seems bogged down, you may need to step in and make decisions for your team.

Con #2: Some Democratic Nurse Leaders Become Lax in Their Jobs

As someone who has worked in leadership, I appreciate working with team members who contribute their thoughts and ideas and who like the idea of true teamwork. It is especially helpful when important decisions that affect the team need to be made. However, some democratic leaders in nursing tend to rely so heavily on the teams they lead that they forget their role as the primary leader. Becoming lax in a leadership role can have detrimental effects, including poor job performance among the whole team and negative patient outcomes.

Con #3: May Lead to Poor Decision-Making

One of the great things about democratic leadership in nursing is that leaders can draw on the strengths and experiences of their team members. It is crucial, though, to be ever-aware of your team members' weaknesses, as well. As a leader, although you may ask for input from your team, the final decision and accountability are yours. One of the cons of democratic leadership occurs when leaders rely too heavily on inexperienced team members to make decisions without giving enough oversight or direction, which can lead to errors or other safety concerns.

7 Main Characteristics Of A Democratic Leader

There are many characteristics and qualities associated with good nurse leaders, and the more you develop, the more successful you will become. The following are the seven main characteristics of a democratic leader in nursing.

Characteristic #1: Is a True “Team Player”

One of the main characteristics of a democratic leader in nursing is that they are known to have a “team player” approach. This type of nursing leader values the input and experiences of nurses on their team, encourages collaboration, and offers support and guidance throughout every aspect of team projects.

I truly appreciate the idea of what democratic leadership in nursing means. As a nurse, healthcare educator, and leader, I believe it is important to embrace a team concept. This is important because when you treat the nurses on your team as peers with a unique set of qualities and skills instead of simply subordinates, they feel an increased sense of worth and belonging, which positively impacts work production and patient, team, and organizational outcomes.

Characteristic #2: An Excellent Communicator

Excellent communication is an essential skill for all nurses to develop. We must learn to observe verbal and nonverbal cues when communicating with patients, their loved ones, and our team members. Additionally, we must learn to express our thoughts and feelings in a way that promotes the development of therapeutic relationships. Democratic nurse leaders understand the importance of good communication skills between themselves, their team members, and the patients they serve.

One of my favorite nurse leaders was a registered nurse named Judy. When we began working together, Judy had already been a nurse for over 20 years. She had a way of making everyone feel comfortable. Even when tensions were high, if we were short-handed, or the days when nothing seemed to go right, she had a knack for talking to us and helping us find the positive in every situation. Judy

Characteristic #3: Democratic Leaders Are Often More Flexible

Democratic leaders in nursing understand that every nurse has their own way of doing things. Although they maintain control of the team, as a leader should, this type of leader is often flexible enough to allow team members some leeway to work their own way, as long it is within proper protocol and scope of practice.

I remember I once worked with a nursing administrator named Ms. Ava. She was an amazing nurse and experienced in several areas of nursing. Although she could have written books about the best ways to accomplish nursing tasks or communicate with patients and staff, she had an uncanny way of encouraging every nurse on our team to grow and develop their own "nursing personality," as she called it. While she was there to make sure things were done in order and according to company protocol, she respected our individuality and made us feel valued by allowing us to add some of that individuality into our way of providing patient care.

Characteristic #4: They Love Getting Feeback

Do you remember a time when you were called to your supervisor's office and you had that gut-wrenching feeling, thinking, "What have I done wrong?" I do not know why, but I have always been my own worst critic. I cannot tell you how many times I prepared myself for a bad review or negative feedback only to be called into the office for something positive and encouraging.

Democratic leaders in nursing understand what it is like to feel nervous or anxious about the job and what it entails, and they like to get feedback from their teams. In fact, with the democratic leadership style in nursing, you will often find leaders actively asking team members for feedback, telling them they appreciate their opinions, or bouncing ideas off the group.

Characteristic #5: Encourage Individual Growth of Each Team Member

Democratic nurse leaders understand that teams are only as strong as the members that comprise them. Therefore, one characteristic of a good democratic leader in nursing is that they encourage team members to pursue personal and professional growth. They are not threatened by team members' growth and learning but instead realize that the more knowledge each team member has, the stronger and more effective the team becomes, which results in better patient, team, professional, and organizational outcomes.

How To Become A Successful Democratic Leader In Nursing?

Being a successful leader takes time and effort. If you want to succeed as a democratic leader in nursing, the following are five steps you should follow.

Step #1: Practice Active Listening

One of the most effective steps in becoming a successful democratic leader in nursing is learning to truly listen to your team. Active listening involves more than sitting next to someone and nodding your head as they speak. Active listening involves the process of genuinely paying attention to what the other person is saying and seeking to understand their thoughts and intent. When you do this, it shows respect and appreciation for the other person and is a great way to build strong relationships with your team members.

Step #2: Embrace the Idea that “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”

If you genuinely want to succeed as a democratic leader in nursing, appreciate and embrace the fact that your team is capable of accomplishing great things if you all work together. Create an atmosphere that fosters inclusion of all members, offers feedback, and encourages it from others, and seeks input from team members, regardless of their title or responsibilities. When your team realizes that you genuinely value their thoughts and ideas and that teamwork is important to you, they become more confident in stepping up and being actively involved in their roles instead of blindly following a "cookie-cutter" pattern of behavior.

Step #3: Promote Accountability... Starting with Yourself!

I remember when I got my first administrative position in nursing, I sat down with the facility director for a brief meeting. I asked him, "If you could give me one bit of advice to do well in this role, what would it be?" He looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Get over your title and show your team what it means to be accountable. If you do that, they will follow you." I loved working with him because what he told me to do was the same behavior he exhibited to me and the other leaders in our organization.

Successful leaders know that the accountability of every team member is essential. To become successful with the democratic leadership style in nursing, you must promote accountability, beginning with yourself. Develop self-awareness by learning your own strengths and weaknesses and identifying your values. Reflect on how those characteristics impact others and be willing to practice self-improvement if needed. Like my director said all those years ago, if you lead by example, your team will follow.

Step #4: Demonstrate Ethical Behavior

Another important step to help you become a good democratic nurse leader is to learn how to demonstrate ethical behaviors. Ethical principles in nursing are the foundation of the practices that help us make good decisions, and as leaders, it is crucial that we do so. When you act ethically, you show your team how professional nurses should conduct themselves.

Step #5: Delegate Responsibility to Appropriate Team Members

Successful democratic leaders in nursing understand how utilizing the skills and experience of each member positively impacts patient and organizational outcomes. You can demonstrate good democratic leadership by getting to know the strengths of each member of your team and delegating responsibilities to them based on the things you know they are accomplished at doing and enjoy. To someone on the outside, it may look like you are simply handing out assignments. To your team members, though, if you take the time to know what is important to them and what they are good at, it shows you value their contributions to the team. In doing so, you strengthen the relationship between you and your team members.

My Final Thoughts

If you are a nurse leader or hope to become one and like the idea of a team approach to leadership, democratic leadership in nursing is a style that may suit you. With all the types of leadership styles in nursing, you may have wondered, “What is democratic leadership in nursing?" In this article, I shared information to answer that question and gave you some tips on how to succeed as a democratic nurse leader. There are many approaches to democratic nurse leadership, and it may take some time to find your way, but with hard work and determination, you can do it!!

List Of Sources Used For This Article

1. “8 Tyles of Leadership Styles in Nursing – Which One is Right for You?” (nursingprocess.org)
2. “NCSBN Research Projects Significant Nursing Workforce Shortages and Crisis” (National Council of State Boards of Nursing)
3. “22 Leadership Qualities in Nursing Every Nurse Leader Must Have in 2024” (nursingprocess.org)