One way to get staff engaged in taking the lead in councils, is to make it important, relevant, and meaningful for them. Clinical staff leading councils is a hallmark best practice in shared governance. Shared decision-making councils are such because they are staff driven and staff led. There are distinct roles for unit leaders on the council, which does not include leading the council. In fact, in many cases unit managers may not routinely attend the council meetings. The best advice in encouraging staff leadership is to make it an expectation in the organization that all will participate in shared decision making and leading the council is a privilege and a great opportunity. Five tips to get clinical staff involved in leading councils: Pair up a staff chairperson with a leader/mentor to assist the staff in growing more comfortable in the new role. Take advantage of this opportunity to mentor the staff leader and support their efforts. Provide educational sessions to prepare staff for leading meetings/councils, including an orientation for staff chairs/co-chairs, and ongoing support throughout the year. (Provide chair education 3-4 times a year) After the failed task of asking for volunteers, approach staff and encourage them to take on a leadership role on the council as an advancement in their performance development. Be sure to tell them about the support you will provide them. Collaborate (leaders and staff) in creating the agenda, sharing outcome data (patient satisfaction, RN satisfaction, clinical outcomes) that will be the work of the council, and providing resources to complete projects and goals. Inform staff of the leadership development opportunities that are a result of leading a group of people and running a meeting. For more information on how to support councils, share/professional governance, or staff leadership contact us.