title: A repertoire of leadership attributes: an international study of deans of nursing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine which characteristics of academic leadership are perceived to be necessary for nursing deans to be successful.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Effective leadership is essential for the continued growth of the discipline.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 30 deans (academics in universities who headed a nursing faculty and degree programmes) was conducted in three countries--Canada, England and Australia. The conversations were analysed for leadership attributes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty personal and positional attributes were nominated by the participants. Of these, the most frequent attribute was 'having vision'. Personal attributes included: passion, patience, courage, facilitating, sharing and being supportive. Positional attributes included: communication, faculty development, role modelling, good management and promoting nursing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both positional and personal aspects of academic leadership are important to assist in developing a succession plan and education for new deans.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is important that talented people are recognised as potential leaders of the future. These future leaders should be given every chance to grow and develop through exposure to opportunities to develop skills and the attributes necessary for effective deanship. Strategic mentoring could prove to be useful in developing and supporting the growth of future deans of nursing.
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wilkes
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cross
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Daly
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002170:Canada; D004739:England; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000592:standards*; D066252:Sociological Factors; D014495:Universities