Using Data from a 360° Leadership Assessment to Enhance Nurse Manager Transformational Leadership Skills

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare self-perception of leadership practices among nurse managers (NMs), day shift nurses, and night shift nurses (NSNs). BACKGROUND: Nurse managers have complex roles in healthcare, with clinical, administrative, and 24-hour accountability for unit activities. Transformational leadership inspires performance beyond expectations, while transcending self-interest for the good of the organization. METHODS: A comparative, secondary data analysis study of the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) 2018. RESULTS: Day shift nurses' and NSNs' mean scores had lower perceptions of leadership practices than NMs' self-assessment. Day shift nurses, NSNs, and NMs identified the highest mean scores in "enable others to act" (8.57, 8.62, and 8.82, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The LPI assessment, the defined observer groups, and unique data visualization informed development of a comprehensive follow-up plan supporting individual and group leadership development. Research examining differences in perceptions of LPI practices across observer groups, particularly direct report staff nurses, is warranted.