Transformational Leadership Theory: What Every Leader Needs to Know

Healthcare is complex and requires effective leaders skilled at leading and adapting to change. The Canadian Nurses Association1 states, “Leadership plays a pivotal role in the lives of nurses” and “Nursing requires strong, consistent, and knowledgeable leaders.” Obtaining this knowledge and skill is difficult. Although numerous studies have examined and explained leadership, no definitive theory has emerged to guide leaders.2 Nor is there evidence available on what theory is most effective for the new leader. Compounding these problems is the massive amount of literature available on leadership that a new leader must sift through to acquire the knowledge to determine which leadership style to adopt and implement into practice.