Soft skills in TCM nursing leaderships during the disruptive era

Abstract

Since the global outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus disease, there have been rapid and unexpected changes, also referred to as a global "turning point", impacting politics, economics, society, and health. Particularly during the spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic, people have started seeking choices for prevention, treatment, and recovery of physical health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered one of the reliable and effective alternative therapies in the healthcare system. Its unique treatment methods include acupuncture, massage therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, etc., widely recognized by populations in many countries including Thailand. To promote the development of standards in traditional Chinese medicine clinics in terms of nursing and effective management, nursing leaders must enhance their knowledge, capabilities, and skills in various areas to adapt to changes and stay abreast of this era of transformation. Every leader needs to develop skills, knowledge, and abilities because leaders determine the direction and lead organizations towards success. Leaders need many personal qualities, especially "soft skills", which include executive ability, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, or social skills, to promote collaboration among others to accomplish tasks, while continuously learning from each other and collectively developing to strive for the achievement of organizational goals.