Table 1 Leadership attributes necessary for participation in health policy development (Round 1) (n = 37)

Influence

have transformational leadership attributes - being able to influence, being visionary and inspiring a shared vision

100%

1.25

0.53

100%

1.00

0.00

have negotiation skills that generate win-win solutions

100%

1.21

0.42

100%

1.17

0.39

be politically astute - able to lobby with policy makers and influence health policy of concern to nursing profession

100%

1.46

0.66

92%

1.5

0.78

Communicate effectively

have the ability to clearly articulate health issues of concern to nursing at policy development forums/arena

100%

1.21

0.42

100%

1.09

0.29

be effective communicators who are able to articulate and disseminate health policy related issues – listening, speaking, writing

100%

1.21

0.42

96%

1.21

0.66

Build relationships

have effective interpersonal skills

100%

1.38

0.50

100%

1.27

0.46

be able to cultivate cordial working relationships with colleagues and others within and outside the profession, in junior and senior positions

100%

1.42

0.50

100%

1.21

0.42

be effective in collaborating and cooperating within and outside the profession

100%

1.33

0.48

100%

1.29

0.46

be team players

100%

1.33

0.48

100%

1.09

0.29

have respect for others

100%

1.48

0.67

100%

1.04

0.21

Feel empowered

be proactive and take initiative to formulate strategies of being involved at each stage of the policy development process

100%

1.33

0.48

100%

1.17

0.39

have personal confidence through encouragement and a feeling of empowerment

100%

1.29

0.46

100%

1.77

0.38

be courageous in articulating health issues of concern to nursing

100%

1.29

0.46

100%

1.13

0.34

be creative

100%

1.26

0.54

100%

1.22

0.42

be motivated to participate in health policy development

100%

1.46

0.59

96%

1.33

0.87

be assertive in raising nursing concerns related to health care to policy makers

96%

1.38

0.77

100%

1.09

0.29

Professional credibility

have management skills – planning, organizing, supervising and evaluating

100%

1.25

0.53

100%

1.08

0.28

be knowledgeable and competent in nursing

96%

1.58

0.97

100%

1.13

0.34

have critical thinking and problems solving skills through nurse leaders education

96%

1.33

0.70

100%

1.17

0.39