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The current Australian healthcare system is rapidly evolving, with increased demand and expectations on leaders. Consequently, leaders can no longer implement outmoded methods to lead healthcare organisations and staff.
Nursing leaders are expected to provide increasingly efficient, individualised quality care, whilst simultaneously managing issues affecting the nursing industry globally.1 Key challenges faced by healthcare organisations include nursing shortages and increased turnover. There is increasing emphasis in current literature on the importance of emotionally intelligent leaders in healthcare and is a strong predictor of low nursing turnover.2 Leadership is central to creating change within healthcare organisations.3 Therefore, leaders must have requisite leadership skills, as they have a direct impact on patients, families, nurses and the multidisciplinary team.
To be an effective nursing leader, EI is critically important.4,5 An emotionally intelligent leader can stimulate and foster innovative behaviours among their team. It is imperative leaders can motivate and inspire their staff to increase efficiency and productivity. However, a study by Prufeta3 identified 31% of leaders require further emotional intelligence (EI) development training.
PROJECT OUTLINE
To inform this discussion, a comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken. Electronic databases were searched for relevant, peer-reviewed journal articles, with the following keywords: emotional intelligence, EI, Goleman's theory of EI, nursing leadership, interpersonal skills.
However, it should be acknowledged that only Goleman's Model of EI was explored. In this article, the term 'leader' refers to different clinicians at all levels within healthcare organisations, not just those that hold hierarchical leadership or managerial positions. The purpose of this article is to discuss the importance of having emotionally intelligent nursing leaders and present recommendations for continuing to develop EI based on current literature.
OVERVIEW OF THE ISSUE
EI is a self-development concept that is characterised as the ability to influence and motivate others by being attuned to their emotional needs, comprehending the reason for their emotions, ability to handle conflict effectively, and cultivating a supportive clinical environment.6 Individuals with EI are critically aware of their emotions, strengths, weaknesses and their capabilities, enabling them to make informed decisions.7
EI is strongly associated with both transformational and authentic leadership theories. EI is considered the cornerstone of transformational leadership.8,9 Transformational leadership encompasses change as a central concept and influencing colleagues to excel.4,10 Transformational leaders are...