The Effectiveness of a Leadership Development Program on Self-awareness in Practice

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the changes in behaviors as reported by nursing leaders following participation in a leadership development program (LDP). BACKGROUND: There is a scarcity of research examining changes in leadership behaviors following LDP participation. A growing body of literature links critical behaviors and traits to outcomes among nurse managers and executives. Literature supports that leadership behaviors can be learned in educational programs if the environment is right and if the talent and capacity are present. METHODS: Focus groups and online responses were guided by a structured interview protocol to elicit responses from the participants of the behavioral changes that have occurred in them as a result of their participation in an LDP. RESULTS: Seven themes describing leadership behaviors were identified. These self-reported behaviors were present 5 to 9 months after completion of the LDP.