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Using coaching and action learning to support staff leadership development

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
coaching

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During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, nurse leaders and managers have been compelled to prioritise immediate issues in their clinical areas and put aside the professional development of staff. However, leadership development for individuals and teams is essential to ensure nurses feel valued and develop the skills required for team cohesion, problem-solving, decision-making and innovation. Simple and effective approaches to staff leadership development are needed. Two such approaches are coaching and action learning.

This article provides an introduction to coaching and action learning as approaches nurse leaders and managers can use to promote leadership development among individual team members and within the team. It describes how coaching and action learning work and their potential benefits and challenges. It explains how the two approaches can be used to underpin effective problem-solving and goal setting, and support nurses in their professional development, the ultimate aim being to deliver safe and effective patient care.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to understand the role of leadership development in enhancing patient care

to refresh your knowledge of professional development approaches such as coaching and action learning

to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

Alison Heulwen James

Senior lecturer in adult nursing - School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales

Hannah Arnold

Lecturer in adult nursing - School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023