Managing a culturally diverse health care team

To be an effective leader, you must know yourself, be aware of your own limitations, and understand the impact of culture on others. The increased ethnic minority population in the health care system mandates that differences be recognized and responded to. Leaders must be cognizant that nurses are assessed and influenced by cultural factors that impact one's view of communication, space, social structure, time, and environment. Being creative and willing to tailor leadership styles to encompass individuals from different cultures is the hallmark of cultural competence. Your health care team will certainly be enriched and will benefit from your understanding of diversity, and so will you, as a leader and a person.