The principles of transformational leadership (TL) are nationally recognized as standards for the contemporary practice of nurse executives.1-3 Transformational leadership is often cited as an effective approach in which leaders set the tone for positive change by building trust within their teams. The theory of TL, originally developed by Bass and Avolio, is best described as "leader behaviors that transform and inspire followers to perform beyond expectations while transcending self-interest for the good of the organization."4 Using TL as an organizational strategy improves patient care outcomes-reducing adverse events while improving patient satisfaction.5 In addition, TL is an effective method for managing a diverse nursing workforce. In a systematic review of 53 studies on leadership styles, Cummings et al6 reported that TL was proven to enhance nurse satisfaction, recruitment, and retention and to promote healthy work environments.It is especially critical for the frontline nurse managers (NMs) who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of nursing units to be transformational in their leadership. An effective and successful frontline NM is invaluable in the retention of a professional staff because nurses who are dissatisfied with their NMs are twice as likely to consider leaving their current position.7,8 Strengthening the leadership competence of NMs is especially needed today, in light of economic uncertainties, increasing challenges in providing excellent patient care, and the cost of nursing turnover.Kouzes and Posner9 contributed to the leadership literature with the development of the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, a leadership practice model based on rigorous research in the application of TL concepts. This contextual framework for exceptional leadership practices uses a model that measures a leader's skills in the following 5 practices: model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and encourage the - See more at: http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/journalarticle?Article_ID=1172505#sthash.fgTBggXZ.dpuf