Exploring leadership effectiveness: nurses as clinical leaders in the NHS

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore leadership effectiveness, with reference to nurses in the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is literature based. It explores the history and policy background to nurse leadership. It reviews a range of approaches to leadership and applies the theoretical findings to the case study of nurse leaders

Findings

The paper suggests there are several inter‐related aspects to consider in relation to developing the effectiveness of nurse leaders – these may be grouped around: developing core competencies; developing emotional intelligence; developing readiness and motivation; developing contextual sensitivity; and developing clinical innovation and change.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the implications of the findings for the leadership development of nurses and makes recommendations.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to incorporate the insights from a variety of different approaches to leadership and apply them to nurse leaders in the UK NHS.

Citation

Willcocks, S.G. (2012), "Exploring leadership effectiveness: nurses as clinical leaders in the NHS", Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 8-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/17511871211198034