Nurse Executive Certification Practice Exam

When managing conflict, how do nurse executives lead by example?

1. By discouraging differences

2. By evaluating and initiating immediate action

3. By identifying their own experiences with conflict

4. By recognizing and accepting feelings

The correct answer is: By evaluating and initiating immediate action

Leading by example in conflict management is crucial for nurse executives, and evaluating and initiating immediate action is an effective strategy for several reasons. When nurse executives confront conflicts promptly and actively work towards resolution, they demonstrate to their teams the importance of addressing issues head-on instead of allowing them to fester. This not only promotes a culture of transparency and open communication but also reinforces the expectation that conflicts should be managed constructively. In practice, this approach involves assessing the nature of the conflict, understanding the perspectives of the parties involved, and facilitating discussions aimed at resolution. By taking immediate and purposeful action, nurse executives set a standard for their staff regarding how to handle similar situations. This leadership style encourages team members to follow suit, fostering an environment where conflicts can be resolved effectively and collaboratively. In contrast, other options such as discouraging differences or only sharing personal experiences may not equip team members with the necessary skills to manage their conflicts effectively. Recognizing and accepting feelings is indeed important, but without proactive evaluation and action, feelings alone do not lead to productive conflict resolution.