• To understand the importance of emotionally intelligent leadership in nursing
• To enhance your understanding of the components of emotionally intelligent leadership
• To identify various practical activities that leaders could undertake to enhance their emotional intelligence skills
Emotionally intelligent leaders demonstrate a sensitivity to their own and other people’s psychological health and well-being, directing others towards common goals while developing effective personal relationships with their colleagues and team members. Emotional intelligence is particularly relevant in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, where nurse leaders need to demonstrate this skill when supporting their teams to manage high levels of stress, exhaustion and the risk of moral injury. This article explores emotional intelligence, discusses its importance as a characteristic of effective nurse leaders and managers, and suggests practical activities that leaders can undertake to develop their emotional intelligence skills.
Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2021.e11782
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Lambert S (2021) Role of emotional intelligence in effective nurse leadership. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2021.e11782
Published online: 13 September 2021
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