1. What are the main differences between transactional and transformational leadership styles in nursing? Give an example of each style and explain how they affect the outcomes of nursing care. (Answer: Transactional leadership focuses on tasks, rewards, and punishments, while transformational leadership inspires, motivates, and empowers followers to achieve a shared vision. Transactional leadership may be effective in routine situations, but transformational leadership can foster innovation, creativity, and change. For example, a transactional leader may assign tasks to nurses based on their skills and monitor their performance, while a transformational leader may involve nurses in decision-making and encourage them to pursue professional development.) 2. What are the key components of emotional intelligence (EI) and why is it important for nursing leaders? How can nursing leaders develop and enhance their EI skills? (Answer: EI is the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively in oneself and others. It is important for nursing leaders because it can help them communicate better, build trust, resolve conflicts, cope with stress, and motivate others. Nursing leaders can develop and enhance their EI skills by selfawareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and feedback.) 3. What are some of the common barriers to effective communication in healthcare organizations? How can nursing leaders overcome these barriers and improve communication among staff, patients, and other stakeholders? (Answer: Some of the common barriers to effective communication are hierarchy, power dynamics, culture, language, jargon, noise, distractions, emotions, assumptions, and biases. Nursing leaders can overcome these barriers and improve communication by using clear, concise, and respectful language; active listening; open-ended questions; feedback; empathy; assertiveness; and cultural competence.)