How a better understanding of transformational leadership can help improve your practice as a nurse administrator

Nursing administrators of today find themselves practising in an environment of permanent whitewater--an environment of chaotic change. Not only is the environment changing, so too are our employees: their needs, motives and priorities are vastly different than those we knew 20 years ago. The challenges of permanent whitewater cannot be overcome without effective leadership. Theorists agree that most North American organizations are currently overmanaged and underled. Certainly the leadership record of Canadian health care institutions has not been impressive. This paper will examine a selected set of concepts which the author believes are essential for nursing administrators who wish to provide real leadership to their departments and organizations: transformational (as compared to transactional) leadership; feminine (as compared to masculine) leadership; and empowerment. The literature review draws out both theory and practical applications.