Transformational Leadership Skill Development
Nurse researchers who study transformational leadership have found that nurse leaders who use transformational leadership principles create environments that promote higher levels of job satisfaction, well being and organizational commitment. Wong & Cummings (2009) also found in their work that there were significant associations between transformational leadership practices, increased patient satisfaction and reduced adverse events.
Developing transformational leadership skills requires that nurse leaders be honest and reflective about their current practices. Dr. Ronald Riggio, an expert in leadership development, advises leaders to ask themselves the following key questions to determine whether they demonstrate transformational leader qualities: (Agree or Disagree)
1. I would never require a follower to do something that I would not do myself.
2. My followers would say they know what I stand for.
3. Inspiring others has always come easy to me.
4. My followers would say that I am attentive to their needs and concerns.
5. My followers have told me that my enthusiasm and positive energy is infectious.
6. Even though I could easily do a task myself, I delegate it to expand my followers skills.
7. Team creativity and innovation are the keys to success.
8. I encourage my followers to question their most basic way of thinking.