What Nurse Simulationists Should Learn from the Lone Dancing Guy

Many of usare the lone simulationist ata schoolofnursing. It feels great to be ‘‘needed.’’ That feeling of being needed becomes quite a burden though, as the years go by and the reality of working alone and doing everything for simulation, without anyone really caring (including the dean, who is just happy to be able to say ‘‘we are using simulation’’) with only you as the resource, continues. I cannot tell you how many telephone calls and e-mails I get from burned out, at their wits end, lone simulationists. They want to quit, and when they do, theschoolsimulationprogramgoeswiththem.Thiswasandis bad planning and leadership on all sides. There is a lesson to be gleaned from the lone crazy dancing guy (in my analogy, this would be you, lone simulationist) made famous in a Ted Talk by Derek Sivers (http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_ movement?language¼en). In this illustrative video, a fuzzy-headed, bare-chested, not fabulous dancer is doing his own thing at a concert. He is fine, having fun, but alone . until, approached by a first follower. The lone dancer, if he has sense, welcomes that first follower with open arms, and shows him (in this case, a him) how it is done. Sivers emphasizes the importance of the first follower for a good reason. In our analogy, one cannot do simulation alone, forever, as manyof us arefinding out. To do it well is an exhausting proposition. You need time to observe and contemplate, attend conferences, read journals, and perhaps write, as you gain knowledge and experience. So, nurture your first follower. A friend started as a lone crazy guy at a small midwestern university. She found and welcomed some first followers and got them started using simulation. She helped them write abstracts and launched speaking careers for some of those faculty members at local, regional, and national conferences. She shared her expertise with others and taught them how to succeed. She developed other simulationists at her institution. Make no mistake, she was the lone crazy guy, she knew it, and she found some help. Along with simulation, you must now learn to capitalize on and use this leadership role. Simulation has the potential to fundamentally change nursing education. The results of the NCSBN study have legitimized simulation as a teaching strategy, and (oh no!) more simulation seems to be even better. So now, lone dancing guy, you are now even more valuable to your organization than you have ever been before. This places an even larger burden on you. Your local book store has a whole section of leadership books to help you lone crazy guys and budding leaders. May I suggest five books for those interested in being good simulation leaders. Kouzes and Posner (2012) in The leadership challenge provide a wonderful framework for leadership. The book and principles are not hard to follow. In fact, the five simple principles suggested by the authors can create a wonderful working environment. A second easy read but very meaningful book is The five levels of leadership ,b yMaxwell (2011). Unfortunately, it will also provide great clarity for those of us who have worked for ineffectual or toxic bosses. Cindy Clark, a good friend and leadership guru suggests another book by Maxwell (2007), The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership: Follow them and people will follow you. Cockerell’s (2008) Creating magic: Ten common sense leadership strategies from a life at Disney also makes Cindy’s list. Last but not least, Strengths based leadership: Great leaders, teams, and why people follow ,b yRath and Conchie (2008) comes highly recommended.