In command of care: Toward the theory of congruent leadership

This is the second of two papers that discuss clinical leadership in the light of a research study which explored who the clinical nurse leaders are, what the characteristics and qualities of clinical leaders might be, why some nurses are seen as clinical leaders and what their experiences might be (Part 1 (Stanley, 2006)). Outlined are contemporary views about leadership and nursing, with emphasis on transformational leadership. Also explored is the new theory of congruent leadership. It is proposed that congruent leadership is a theory best suited for understanding clinical leadership because it is defines leadership in terms of a match (congruence) between the activities, actions and deeds of the leader and the leader's values, principles and beliefs.