1.       Leadership requires personal mastery – Nurses demonstrate leadership when they show competence and mastery in the tasks they perform. Nurses are deemed competent by means of a license to practice nursing (NLN 2010).

2.       Leadership is about values – Nurses value the sanctity of life and do our best to preserve it.

3.       Leadership is about service – Nurses dedicate our lives to serving those most vulnerable.

4.       Leadership is about people and relationships – Nurses care for our patients as individuals, one size does not fit all.

5.       Leadership is contextual – Nurses adapt to the situation we are in. We take in the details and conform to what is needed.

6.       Leadership is about the management of meaning – Nurses understand that there are many ways to take something, and we make sure our patients understand not only the "how" but the "why."

7.       Leadership is about balance – Nurses take care of themselves so they have the strength to take care of others.

8.       Leadership is about continuous learning and improvement – Nurses understand that optimal healthcare changes as new evidence comes to light. Nurses take these changes and implement them to better serve the patient.

9.       Leadership is about effective decision making – Nurses think critically and make decisions based on knowledge and intuition.

10.   Leadership is a political process – Nurses understand that sometimes you have to be diplomatic because sometimes you deal with crazy.

11.   Leadership is about modeling – Nurses show their patients what healthy living should look like by embracing it.

12.   Leadership is about integrity - Nurses do what is right and good even when there is no one there to watch them.

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