Informal semi-structured interviews were performed with a sample of 24 nursing leaders recognized by a group of peers for their effectiveness in leading nursing. The interviewees were asked to participate in the study by letter and a mutually convenient date was then set for the interview to take place. Where it was difficult to coordinate a meeting, a number of interviews (six) were held by telephone. An interview schedule had previously been developed and piloted. The pilot involved interviewing three individuals identified as having a perspective on nursing leadership by the researcher. The pilot served as a means to test and develop the schedule and the interview skills of the researcher. No major changes were made to the interview schedule following the pilot.