Maximising leadership coaching training outcomes: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Nurse leaders manage complex workplace demands. Coaching skills are a core leadership competency which can assist them in their roles. However, training alone may not always effect positive leadership change. This randomised trial sought to compare outcomes of leadership coaching training, with and without follow-up support, against waitlist control. Psychometric and professional achievement outcomes for 86 Australian nurse leaders were tracked for six months. Trial results provide empirical support for the hypothesis that leadership coaching training, paired with coaching follow-up, yields superior outcomes to a training only approach and, versus control, in terms of leadership and communication-related outcomes.

Keywords

• leadership coaching
• communication
• management styles
• nursing management
• staff development