Nurses on the unit complete an annual satisfaction survey and rate their nurse manager as a transformational leader. Which behavior by the nurse manager most likely led to that conclusion?

• A. Incorporates the perspectives of nurses on the unit and empowers them to be innovative.
• B. Provides strict oversight and makes all decisions alone.
• C. Focuses on tasks and ignores staff input.
• D. Rewards tenure-based performance.

Answer: (A)

Transformational leadership is characterized by empowering staff, valuing their input, and fostering innovation. When nurses on the unit rate their nurse manager as transformational, it reflects behaviors that make the team feel heard and enabled to try new approaches. Incorporating the perspectives of nurses on the unit signals shared leadership and collaborative problem-solving, while empowering them to be innovative shows trust, development, and motivation—core elements of this leadership style. In contrast, strict oversight with decisions made by one person aligns more with autocratic or transactional leadership, focusing on control rather than collaboration. Focusing on tasks and ignoring staff input reduces engagement and growth, which does not fit transformational leadership. Rewards based on tenure emphasize loyalty rather than inspiring and developing people, again not aligning with this approach.