Over the past 12 months I’ve been on a leadership journey as a Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Awardee, a recognition named for an accomplished healthcare executive with a lifetime of lessons to impart. One of my aims during this transformational year has been to learn more about what leadership looks like for those I respect. Over 30 colleagues generously shared their time and wisdom with me. A standout takeaway from these conversations? Leadership is an ongoing, evolving journey rather than the final destination it’s often presumed to be. In this article, I’ve curated lessons from the collective knowledge of these leaders to inform and inspire each of us on our own journeys.

Student leaders

As a student, your schedule is likely very tight and your to-do list long. At this point in your career it may feel as if there’s little time for leadership. Here are two pieces of advice to help you cultivate a leadership mindset while completing your formal training and education:

1. Never stop learning. This guidance was echoed by almost every leader I interviewed, either explicitly or as part of their ongoing growth. Nearly all leaders discussed how they prioritize learning in their daily life. Consistent learning was described as a mindset; a way to ensure they were always growing and challenging themselves. How can you put this lesson into practice as a student leader? Get engaged in national organizations, specialty nursing organizations, or local organizations as a student member. Finally, make sure you’re reading. Some of the most influential leaders I had the opportunity to meet told me they made reading a priority on subjects both within and outside of their fields.
2. Say “yes” a lot. One leader I spoke with told me that a large part of her leadership journey was learning through service, and she engaged in it primarily by saying yes. As a student leader, you’ll have many opportunities to join councils, participate as a volunteer to support community activities, and generally say “yes.” Engaging in these opportunities will help you develop the kind of leadership skill set that will serve you throughout your career.

Novice or new leaders

As a novice leader, you may already have emerging leadership skills and be actively thinking about what qualities you need to cultivate to be more effective. In this phase of your life and career you have the opportunity to think broadly about what legacy you want to leave as a leader. Whatever type of leader you aspire to be, these three strategies will help you achieve your goals:

1. Learn how to listen. Effective communication is a hallmark of a good leader. Several of the leaders I spoke with shared stories about times in their careers when a failure to listen or be listened to profoundly impacted their conception of leadership. Cultivating good listening skills will help you develop a skill set that’s transferable to any leadership position.
2. Be curious. When leaders discussed their approaches to challenges and difficult situations, many shared the idea of using a lens of curiosity. Curiosity can lead to clarity and help leaders avoid the pitfall of deferring to their own preference. Cultivating authentic curiosity as a novice leader can be highly beneficial.
3. Work within your realm of influence. When discussing with seasoned leaders how they approached challenges that went beyond their skill set or realm of influence, they emphasized the need to focus on making the changes that WERE possible. So, instead of feeling powerless as a leader, they found making incremental changes within their scope to be an effective strategy.

Mid-career leaders

If you’re a mid-career leader you may have gained formal titles and a larger sphere of influence. Here are three key takeaways for growth at this stage from my conversations with leaders:

1. Remember who supported you along your leadership journey. Many exceptional leaders made a point of telling me about those individuals who had been bridge builders for them along their own leadership journeys. As a leader, it’s critical to recognize those who’ve mentored you and helped you realize your leadership potential. One of the best ways to honor their investment in you as a leader is to share your own time and support with others.
2. Sometimes career advancement isn’t a ladder; it’s a jungle gym. As a mid-career leader you may be looking at job or growth opportunities to spread your leadership wings. However, in the words of one national leader I interviewed: “Leadership doesn’t have to be linear.” In other words, allow yourself to pause and pivot, if you feel so called. On the surface, this may look like a lateral move or even a step backwards. Only you know what’s truly important to you as a leader.
3. Answer the call. Now that you’re a more confident leader, you may feel your values pushing you in a particular direction. This could look like engaging on a challenging topic or standing up for something you’re passionate about. Ensure that you’re leading with intention and integrity.

Senior leaders

Senior leaders serve as exemplars of what leadership should look like. Thinking critically about your enduring legacy can help you identify what’s most important to focus on in this part of your leadership journey. Here are three considerations for your continued growth:

1. Your calendar reflects your priorities. This doesn’t just relate to work priorities, but also personal and family priorities. During my leadership conversations, many longtime leaders told me how important it was to prioritize their health and personal commitments within the context of their significant professional responsibilities. Take a step back and critically examine the alignment between your responsibilities and your desired goals; create space to cultivate mindfulness, rest, or new opportunities that could reenergize you personally and professionally.
2. “You don’t always get to choose the time, the time picks you”. I repeatedly heard senior leaders relay stories about growth or transition opportunities that occurred serendipitously. However, what often looks like “luck” is really preparation. In the words of one leader I spoke with: “Preparation improves your outcomes.” As a senior leader, be ready to rise to meet inevitable changes, challenges, and opportunities ahead.
3. Center respect for others. No matter how important of a leader you become, never forget to respect the experiences of others. As noted by Fonseca and colleagues, respect and dignity are valued by nurses across the leadership spectrum and should form a basis for leadership.

As I reflect on these conversations, I’m filled with immense gratitude for the leaders who shared their time, expertise, and personal stories with me. I strongly encourage my fellow nurses to identify leaders who inspire them. Reach out to learn about their personal and professional stories. I’m confident you’ll be glad you did.

Danielle Altares Sarik, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, FAAN is Director of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Fellow, Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nursing Leaders and Innovators
Department of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice

References

American Nurses Association. Leadership in nursing: Qualities and why it matters. May 19, 2023.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-leadership/leadership-in-nursing/

American Nurses Foundation. Jeannine Rivet National Leadership Award. nursingworld.org/foundation/programs/leadership-in-nursing/rivet-award/

Fonseca T, Moreno M, Sarik DA, et al. Perception versus practice: Exploring nurse perspectives on leadership behaviors. Nurse Leader. July 1, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.mnl.2026.102783