Rationale and key points

This article explains how to implement compassionate leadership in nursing teams. Compassionate leadership is an approach that aims to empower and support staff through four main behavioural principles – attending, understanding, empathising and helping.

• Compassionate leadership can be practised by all nurses, irrespective of their role or position, and with individuals or groups.

• For the nurse, understanding and reflecting on their own leadership style is the starting point for compassionate leadership, after which nurses may consider leading others.

• Implementing compassionate leadership can empower teams, enhancing team members’ performance, motivation and well-being.

• Compassionate leadership can also support improved outcomes for patients, since motivated nurses are more likely to provide high-quality care.

Reflective activity

‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

• How this article might help you to introduce compassionate leadership into your nursing team.

• How you could use this article to educate nursing colleagues and students about the role of compassionate leadership in nursing teams.