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.