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

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.