We were lucky to catch up with Selina Dallas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Selina , so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
Persisting despite the haters and nay-sayers can be challenging, but here are a few tips to help you:
1. Focus on your goals: Keep your eyes on your own path and remember why you started. Remind yourself of your aspirations and the reasons behind your actions. This can help you stay determined and focused on what truly matters to you.
2. Surround yourself with positive influences: Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people who believe in you. Their positivity can counteract the negativity of the haters and nay-sayers. Seek out like-minded individuals who share your goals and values.
3. Believe in yourself: Develop a strong self-belief and trust in your abilities. Recognize your own worth and remember that you are capable of achieving great things. Building confidence in yourself can help you deflect the negativity from others.
4. Turn criticism into motivation: Instead of letting the negative comments drag you down, use them as motivation to prove the nay-sayers wrong. Channel their skepticism into fuel for your determination and keep working towards your goals. Use their doubts as an opportunity to grow and improve.
5. Practice self-care: Take care of your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that rejuvenate and inspire you. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and give yourself permission to take breaks when needed. Prioritize your own happiness and resilience.
Remember, everyone faces criticism at some point, but what matters most is how you choose to respond. Stay true to yourself and your dreams, and don’t let the negativity of others derail your progress. Keep pushing forward and believe in your ability to succeed!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a powerful nurse executive with a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others. With a wealth of experience and expertise in healthcare, I have honed my skills to effectively lead teams, drive operational excellence, and deliver exceptional patient care.
My personal brand reflects a deep commitment to helping others. I believe in the power of compassion, empathy, and advocacy and strive to intertwine these values throughout my professional journey. I am dedicated to creating positive change in healthcare systems to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
As a nurse executive, I possess strong leadership qualities that empower those around me to reach their full potential. I believe in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse voices are valued and respected. I am an advocate for patient-centered care and continuously seek innovative solutions to enhance the healthcare experience.
What sets me apart is my ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and determination. I thrive in fast-paced environments, utilizing my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to drive positive outcomes. My expertise in healthcare operations, fiscal management, and quality improvement allows me to create sustainable and efficient systems that benefit patients, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders alike.
With my personal brand, I hope to inspire and mentor others in the healthcare field, encouraging them to embrace their own power and make a difference. I wholeheartedly believe that together, we can transform healthcare and create a more compassionate and equitable world for all.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being resilient, confident, and knowledge-seeking are essential qualities on the journey of nursing leadership. As a nurse leader, resilience allows you to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come your way. You possess the inner strength and determination to persevere through difficult situations, setbacks, and changes. Resilience enables you to adapt, learn from experiences, and keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity.
Alongside resilience, confidence plays a significant role in nursing leadership. I exude self-assurance and belief in my abilities, which inspires confidence in others. My confidence enables effective decision-making, assertive communication, and the ability to lead with conviction. It allows me to embrace my strengths, take risks, and lead by example, empowering my team and fostering trust and respect.
In addition to resilience and confidence, a continuous thirst for knowledge is crucial on my journey of nursing leadership. Seeking knowledge and staying updated on the latest advancements and evidence-based practices in healthcare allows me to enhance patient care, drive innovation, and make informed decisions. I actively pursue opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops, conferences, advanced training, and engaging in lifelong learning. My commitment to knowledge-seeking ensures I provide the best possible leadership while advancing the field of nursing.
As a resilient, confident, and knowledge-seeking nurse leader, I not only inspire those around me but also create a positive and empowering work environment. I serve as a role model for my team, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and continuous growth. My resilience in the face of challenges, confidence in my abilities, and knowledge-seeking mindset contribute to my success as a nursing leader.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
“Projecting my voice” refers to the act of confidently expressing oneself, opinions, and ideas without diluting or compromising them to please or accommodate others. It involves overcoming the tendency to water down one’s thoughts, values, or identity, and instead, assertively and authentically communicate one’s perspective.
When you project your voice, you prioritize being true to yourself and your beliefs. Rather than conforming to external expectations or suppressing your voice to avoid conflict or discomfort, you confidently articulate your thoughts and opinions. This can be particularly relevant in a leadership role, such as nursing leadership, where your voice carries influence and impact.
Overcoming the inclination to dilute yourself to accommodate others requires a combination of self-awareness, self-confidence, and assertiveness:
1. Self-Awareness: Understanding your own values, strengths, and authentic self is crucial. Reflect on your beliefs, experiences, and what you bring to the table as a nursing leader. Recognize the importance of embracing your true self and the value you bring to the conversation.
2. Self-Confidence: Building self-confidence is essential in projecting your voice. Believe in your abilities, knowledge, and the perspectives you bring to the table. Cultivate a positive mindset and remind yourself of your worth and the value of your unique insights.
3. Assertiveness: Assertive communication is the key to project your voice effectively. Clearly and respectfully express your thoughts and opinions, even when they might differ from others’. Use confident body language, maintain eye contact, and speak with conviction. Practice active listening and empathetic communication while still ensuring your voice is heard.
Remember, projecting your voice is not about dominating conversations or dismissing others’ perspectives. It is about asserting your thoughts and ideas confidently, valuing diversity of opinions, and contributing to meaningful dialogue and decision-making. By projecting your voice and overcoming the urge to dilute yourself, you can foster an environment that values authenticity, encourages diverse perspectives, and ultimately leads to more balanced and effective leadership in nursing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bigsistersinnursing.org
- Instagram: Selinadallasinc
- Facebook: Selina Dallas
- Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/in/selinadallas
Image Credits
Robin Gamble Photography
