A grounded theory investigation to build a preliminary model of the transformational process of how clinical psychologists may evolve into compassionate leaders

Clinical leadership and compassionate care in the NHS have become priorities in influential papers and policies. There is a paucity of research to underpin conceptualisations of compassionate leadership and of leadership development in clinicians in the NHS, particularly clinical psychologists who may be able to lead in healthcare environments in unique ways due to the values and competencies of their profession. This present study sought to use a grounded theory approach to build a preliminary model of the transformational process of how clinical psychologists may evolve into compassionate leaders. Twelve clinical psychologists from varied specialities and with different years of experience took part in semi-structured qualitative interviews. Their data were analysed using a grounded theory methodology involving open, selective and theoretical coding. The findings indicate that psychologists may develop as leaders through their personalities and sense of mission, through reaching out to and being accepted by colleagues and through leading by doing. Participants who became compassionate in leadership seemed to be enabled by reflection, supervision and being treated with compassion. These findings are discussed with regard to extant theory and literature. Clinical and theoretical implications and a methodological critique are discussed.