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Why you should read this article: • To reflect on the role of nursing leadership in supporting healthcare systems, nursing teams and high-quality patient care • To increase your understanding of relational leadership styles • To recognise the benefits and challenges of relational leadership in nursing. Leadership is an essential skill in nursing and has a fundamental role in ensuring high-quality patient care and the effective functioning of healthcare systems. Effective nursing leadership is vital to support nursing teams as they negotiate the challenges confronting the profession, such as ageing populations and the increased use of healthcare technology. This article discusses various relational leadership styles that can be used to promote nurses’ health and well-being and enhance productivity. The author also explores the benefits and challenges of implementing relational leadership in nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of various leadership styles that are commonly used in healthcare • To learn about the principles and characteristics of authentic leadership • To recognise the benefits and challenges of nurses adopting authentic leadership Authentic leadership is a relatively new concept in nursing, with limited studies undertaken into its application in healthcare. Authentic leadership emphasises the importance of the leader being true to their personal core values and developing honest relationships with team members, valuing their contributions, and behaving ethically and transparently. Trust is a central tenet of authentic leadership that aims to lead to increased staff engagement, and enhanced individual and team performance. This article explores the principles, benefits and challenges of authentic leadership, as well as examining its potential role in nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To understand the personal qualities that nurses require for effective leadership • To enable you to consider your leadership strengths and areas for improvement • To identify ways to enhance leadership at the individual, team and healthcare organisation level Leadership within the healthcare system should be visible at all levels, rather than being dependent solely on the characteristics of those who exert control from the top of the organisation. All nurses can act as leaders, and providing effective leadership requires them to develop specific personal qualities and behaviours. This article explores four 'leadership intelligences' – spiritual, emotional, business or practice, and political – and discusses how understanding these can assist nurses to enhance their leadership skills. It also considers the evidence base for the use of these intelligences and how they can be adopted by individual nurses and healthcare organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enable you to outline the various types and characteristics of leadership • To understand the importance of effective nurse leadership and its effect on patient care • To identify ways to enhance your leadership skills and apply these in your everyday practice Leadership is a role that nurses are expected to fulfil, regardless of their job title and experience. Nurses are required to lead and manage care as soon as they have completed their training. However, the development of leadership skills and the associated learning can be challenging, especially for less experienced nurses and those at the beginning of their careers. This article examines the importance of effective leadership for nurses, patients and healthcare organisations, and outlines some of the theories of leadership such as transformational leadership. It also details how nurses can develop their leadership skills, for example through self-awareness, critical reflection and role modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]