Preparing Nurse Managers for Authentic Leadership: A Pilot Leadership Development Program.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the impact of a pilot leadership development program on nurse managers' (NMs') use of authentic leadership behaviors.

BACKGROUND

Nurse managers often receive little or no formal training. Literature suggests formal leadership development programs can enhance their leadership competency. A leadership development program was designed and pilot tested to determine effectiveness in enhancing authentic leadership competency.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 16 NMs who participated in the pilot program.

RESULTS

Measurable increases in authentic leadership behaviors were demonstrated in both the self-assessments (mean scores increased in 3 of 4 subscales) and RN direct report assessments (mean scores increased in all 4 subscales), with statistical significance achieved in 1 self-awareness behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

The pilot program demonstrated merit as a tool to enhance NMs' authentic leadership behaviors. Managers perceived greater self-awareness, and direct reports perceived positive change in managers' use of authentic leadership behaviors.