Leadership succession in nursing: thinking and acting today to ensure a better tomorrow

The world has been experiencing a crisis in leadership that has evolved with the ageing of a generation that pioneered the innovation and transformation of collective life(1). Changes have been introduced by the younger generations, and with their new habits, values and behaviors, they have begun taking the reigns of the management or are in the front lines of organizations. However, changes do not occur merely through the presence of what is new; previous generations are still essential to any organization(2). Some areas actually require professionals with more agile profiles, but on the other hand, it is important that the knowledge and experience of other professionals be valued. In light of so many changes, the characteristics of older generations also contribute to the development of organizations(3-4). Throughout this process, coexistence is not always harmonious, but are necessary if good leadership practices are to be passed down generations for the common good(1). Ideally, leaders of organizations should employ emotional intelligence and have the ability to manage the coexistence of both generations, as well as address concerns about ethical and professional relationships(5-6). According to Peter Drucker(7) “a leader is someone who has the ability to make others follow, and it is mainly this type of ability that describes him the best. An effective leader is not someone who is loved or admired. The quality of leadership is not measured by popularity, but by the results they are able to produce. Leaders are highly visible. They therefore set examples. Leadership is not rank, privileges, titles, or money. It is responsibility.” Drucker defends that preparation for leadership, the exchange of experiences, and concern with leadership succession and training are essential to any organizations’ success(7). In nursing, this change has been taking place quickly and demands that current leadership commit to the development of the profession, preparing and facilitating exchange of experiences between generations in order to plan and ensure a promising future for the career(1,8-9). Factors such as the ageing workforce(8,10-13), the imminent retirement of a large number of nurses in the coming years(11-12,14), coupled with the low level of interest demonstrated by younger nurses in leadership positions and lack of investment in professional training and improving leadership performance(15) are a foreshadowing of an unprecedented crisis in nursing worldwide(1