Building Leadership Excellence: 5 Coaching Strategies for DNP Executives

In nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) executive role represents the pinnacle of leadership. To succeed, DNP students must develop skills that go beyond traditional leadership, embodying "leadership athleticism"—the agility, endurance, and strategic thinking necessary for success in healthcare. As educators, it’s important to help students develop these traits. Here are five coaching strategies to strengthen leadership athleticism and prepare future nurse leaders to thrive.

1. Personalized Leadership Journals

Encouraging DNP students to keep personalized leadership journals is an excellent way to merge introspection with practical growth. These journals serve as a private space where students can reflect on their experiences, jot down daily leadership challenges, and brainstorm solutions. To make this activity engaging, propose specific prompts such as "What leadership qualities did I exhibit today?" or "How did I respond to a challenging situation?"

Educational Benefit: This activity fosters self-awareness and helps students track their growth over time, making it easier for you as an educator to guide their development.

2. Simulation Scenarios

Simulations are not just for clinical settings, they’re powerful tools for leadership coaching too. By creating realistic, role-playing scenarios, you can place students in leadership situations where they must make quick, strategic decisions. Encourage them to take turns being the team leader, confronting issues such as conflict resolution or resource allocation.

Educational Benefit: This hands-on approach builds confidence and decision-making skills, essential components of leadership athleticism.

3. Peer-to-Peer Coaching Circles

Facilitate peer-to-peer coaching circles where students can offer each other feedback and support. These circles can be structured as bi-weekly meetings where students discuss their goals, share progress, and provide constructive feedback. As an educator, your role is to guide the discussion, ensuring it's focused and productive.Educational Benefit: Peer coaching encourages collaboration and communication, enhancing students’ abilities to lead diverse teams effectively.

4. Vision Board Workshops

Vision boards are not just arts-and-crafts projects, they are strategic tools for visualizing goals. Organize a session where students create boards that represent their leadership aspirations. Use magazines, photos, or digital tools to craft these visual plans.

Educational Benefit: This creative exercise helps students solidify their leadership vision, providing a tangible reminder of the attributes and achievements they strive for.

5. Leadership Podcasts and Discussions

Introduce your students to insightful leadership podcasts and hold discussions based on episodes that resonate with the DNP executive role. Select podcasts that cover a range of topics from healthcare management to innovative leadership strategies. Follow up group discussions that allow students to express their thoughts and insights.

Educational Benefit: This activity expands students' understanding of leadership and introduces them to diverse perspectives, enriching their own leadership styles.

A valuable resource for learners is DNP Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice. In business, coaching focuses on leadership behaviors, with many organizations adopting frameworks like the Pyramid of Success to guide competencies. Rooted in sports, coaching has long provided leadership insights, such as those from former UCLA coach John Wooden. Over 15 years, Wooden developed his "Pyramid of Success," emphasizing traits essential for achieving "Competitive Greatness." He stressed the importance of effort and preparation, believing that doing your best, regardless of the outcome, meant you could never truly fail.

Incorporating these activities into your coaching curriculum can boost the leadership skills of DNP students. By linking personal development with performance, you’re not just teaching leadership, you’re equipping them to excel in executive roles. While not the only path to success, these activities make the journey more engaging. As educators, we inspire and guide, and with these tools, you can impact the next generation of nursing leaders.