Transformational Leadership and Nursing's Future

Covey (1992, p. 287) tells us that “The goal of transformational leadership is to TRANSFORM people and organizations in a literal sense, to change them in mind and heart, enlarge vision, insight and understanding; clarify purpose, make behaviors congruent with beliefs, principles or values, bring about changes that are permanent, self-perpetuating and momentum-building.”  Transformational leadership – defined as shaping and enabling change – is critical to nursing because it can help change the views and health behaviors of individuals and families as well as the cultures of organizations. In today’s health care environment, transformational leaders move beyond the management of transaction to motivate performance beyond expectations by influencing one’s attitudes. Transformational leadership promotes change.  In the twenty-first century and beyond, we look toward a new group of leaders who are facilitators and who can help to humanize the workplace.  This is nursing’s future.