Harmonizing to form a rainbow of power and accomplishments - Editorial

AORN Journal,  May, 2002  by Brenda S. Gregory Dawes

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I heard the following story a long time ago, but I believe it is still relevant to the nursing world today. This story relates to the importance of each individual's unique characteristics and what they can bring to the team environment.

Once upon a time, all the colors started fighting among themselves. Each one claimed to be the best, most important, or favorite. Green unyieldingly stated it was the most essential because it was the majority of color on earth. It was chosen for grass and trees, and, without it, the animals would die. Blue interjected that the sky and the water are the majority of color on earth and the basis of life. Water is drawn up from the oceans by clouds. The sky represents space, peace, and serenity. Jovial yellow chuckled, as it associated its color with happiness. The sun, moon, and stars shine yellow, and sunflowers elicit smiles. Orange described its multipurpose role for health and strength. Not only does it fill in the sky at sunrise or sunset to add striking beauty, but its color is carded in carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, and papayas, which all are full of essential vitamins. Red shouted, "I am the ruler of all. I am life's blood." Red adamantly promoted itself as the color of beauty in roses, poinsettias, and poppies and the color associated with important feelings of love and passion. Purple exerted its belief that it was the best because it is the color of royalty and power and reflects authority and wisdom.

The colors continued bickering and boasting, each convinced of its superior role. As the quarreling grew louder, there was a flash of bright light and thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors shied away from the sounds, drawing close to one another for comfort.

The rain blared "How foolish you are to try to dominate the others," and it pointed out that it was obvious there is a special purpose and uniqueness for each color. The rain urged the colors to join together. As they did so, the rain continued.

   From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a
   great bow of color as a reminder that each of your colors can harmonize.
   The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow. (1)

UNIQUENESS OF QUALITIES AND SKILLS

Nursing's hope for tomorrow is our ability to identify and demonstrate our unique qualities and skills, which harmonize with the qualities and skills of others to strengthen nurses' positions and possibilities for the future. As individuals, we like to believe we are unique. Just as important, however, is the need to recognize what we have to offer that might reinforce and build on what someone else lacks.

Perioperative nursing and patient care skills often are not equal among individual nurses. Some nurses possess the "I know" skills, which are skills used to provide patient care and assume multiple roles and responsibilities. These skills might include a better understanding of a process or procedure (eg, understanding endoscopy equipment, ordering supplies and equipment, specialty patient care). Nurses new to the perioperative setting learn basic skills that they should practice consistently, but even skills that seem routine are practiced differently by individuals because of their skill level and past experiences. The "I know" skills become unique as individuals gain experience and increase their understanding of some specialties or practices while others improve their skills in different areas.

Adaptive skills can be obvious, but they often are less recognized as individually unique because they may be confused with personality traits. Adaptive skills are the backbone of teamwork because these skills help group members move in the same direction. These skills can be used to adjust to difficult or questionable situations and, when used at the right time and place, will influence others and outcomes. Being persistent, enthusiastic, energetic, forceful, or great at listening are a few adaptive skills that only some individuals possess.

Influential skills also should be recognized as significant qualities that not everyone possesses. Supporting your boss; using an open, honest communication style; being willing to subordinate yourself for the good of the team; taking responsibility for errors; and simply being nice are examples of qualities that influence others. These are not always natural qualities, but they can be developed and exercised to influence outcomes.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ACHIEVERS

It is common to be evaluated during an annual performance review on "I know" skills. Adaptive and influential skills unique to each individual are recognized less often. Qualities such as preparedness, conviction, perseverance, creativity, curiosity, resilience, risk taking, independence, focus, and a sense of higher purpose have been identified as unique to achievers, including accomplished scientists, poets, authors, and presidents. (2) If we consider that individuals may possess none, some, or many of these characteristics, we also can assume that harmony will be achieved if we combine our individual traits to strive for exemplary professional accomplishments.