Development of leadership within the university and beyond: challenges to faculty and their development

Environmental changes in health care are driving changes in academic health centers. Nursing faculty have an opportunity to shape the changes on campus and in future health care delivery systems through participation in campus initiatives, but some may lack the skill set to be active participants. Leadership is defined as the ability to influence behavior and includes the skills of negotiation, facilitation, conflict management, organizational improvement, political savvy, systems thinking, personal mastery, and others. Opportunities for acquiring stronger leadership skills include feedback, partnering, mentoring, formal classes, and 360 degrees feedback.