This microcredential will give an introduction to leadership. Part of our role as registered nurses is to be a leader. Professional nurses are leaders of other healthcare team members, and, by their knowledge and skills, we contribute to healthcare and function as leaders with patients and their families. As nurses develop professionally and specialise, their clinical knowledge establishes them as clinical leaders in their areas of excellence. Clinical leadership is based on clinical competence. Leadership functions of the registered nurse include being a collaborative team member, a team builder, a vision setter, and a goal driver. Developing leadership skills is part of professional development. Nurses can influence how care is delivered in different practice settings as we develop leadership skills. In this microcredential, you will learn about leadership styles and the characteristics or traits defining nursing leaders. It will also cover what motivation means, some early theories, and more contemporary theories about motivation. This microcredential is the first in a series of three that corresponds to the unit of study 249 Introduction to Leadership and Management.