Transdisciplinary teams: very important leadership stuff.

As the health care delivery system continues to evolve in terms of increased provider accountability for costs and clinical care outcomes, leaders are pushing for greater productivity and yield from all disciplines. As a result of their unique perspective of the roles of clinicians and the processes of care, nurse managers are strategically positioned to lead clinical knowledge-based teams. And they are being called on to do so. However, the skill set needed for this leadership role is quite different than that of patient-care unit leadership and management. In addition, the role and functions of senior leadership are critical to the success of both the team and its leader. This article discusses the needed competencies for both leadership entities and describes the interplay between the two.