What I wish I’d known before becoming a manager

Philip Winterbottom, Chair of the RCN Nurses in Management and Leadership Forum, looks back on the lessons he’s learned on his journey from mental health nurse to senior leader – and why leadership is something every member of the nursing profession can practise, no matter their role.  

What is the main thing you know now that you didn't when you started out?

When I first stepped into a management role, I fell into the trap of trying to have all the answers. I tried to fix every problem myself. My biggest lesson has been learning to let go and delegate effectively.

The NMC Code reminds us that we're accountable for our decisions to delegate, but that doesn't mean we must personally take on every task. This is where leadership comes in.  

I've learned that true leadership isn't about doing everything. It's about knowing the competence of your team, trusting them, and empowering them to step up safely. 

What might surprise people about being a manager in nursing?

You don't leave patient care behind – your focus just shifts. Instead of caring for six patients, you’re caring for the team that cares for 60 patients.

When you lead well, the people you manage become “your people” just as much as the patients are. If you nurture and advocate for your team, high-quality patient care naturally follows. The emotional weight doesn't disappear – it just changes shape.  

What has surprised you?  

I’m constantly reminded how much my own mood, resilience and communication style can dictate the culture of the entire environment.

If I arrive stressed and closed off, the team feels it, and the environment becomes tense. But if I’m visibly calm, open, and ready to support, they breathe out. As a leader, you have to role model “being real” but recognise the impact of doing so. This is why it’s essential to have a support structure outside your immediate team.  

Admit when you don't know something

What would you say to nursing staff who are curious about leadership but aren’t sure where to start?  

Don't wait for a job title or new banding to start seeing yourself as a leader. If you’ve ever advocated for a vulnerable patient, calmly managed a deteriorating situation, or supported a struggling nursing student on shift, you’re already leading.

Leadership is a behaviour, not a pay band. Lean into those moments where you naturally take charge, ask for shadowing opportunities, and know that nursing needs your fresh perspective. Senior leaders may be experienced, but they don’t have your experience.

What’s the biggest difference between management and leadership?

This is the distinction I wish more people understood. Management is positional. Leadership is behavioural.  

Management comes with authority. It involves rotas, budgets, processes and systems. It's the what and the how. Leadership is influence. It's about inspiring people, shaping culture and connecting to the why. You can be a manager without being a leader.

And you can absolutely be a leader without being a manager. Leaders lead people, while managers, as well as managing people, manage processes, and shouldn’t forget to be leaders as well.  

What's the best way to improve your confidence as you're working your way up?  

Find a mentor, and don't be afraid to admit when you don't know something.

Confidence isn't about perfection. It's about safe practice and knowing your limits. Personal reflection is essential, but don't underestimate the value of learning from senior colleagues’ experiences, too.  

Growth can be painful, so surrounding yourself with people who will gently challenge you but fiercely support you makes all the difference. Every senior nurse you admire started where you are now.  

How does the RCN Nurses in Management and Leadership Forum support nursing leaders? 

Management can be surprisingly lonely. You’re often making tough, unpopular decisions regarding staffing, skill mix or budgets.  

Connecting with other managers, learning from them and being challenged by them is vital. Our forum creates those opportunities through the annual conference and our presence at RCN Congress. We’ll be working hard this year to develop new content for members on the forum pages, too. The forum supports both existing managers and emerging leaders.  

This year, we’re committed to focusing on listening to members and strengthening the representation of managers and leaders at every stage of their careers.  

Any last words?  

Remember why you're in the role. The weight of management can easily swallow you whole.  

Every day, I remind myself why I became a nurse in the first place. Becoming a senior leader in the profession is an opportunity, responsibility and honour, and if you’re reading this and starting to reflect, you’re on the right track.