The study presented here, which was conducted as part of a diploma thesis, deals with the leadership of staff by ward managers. It examines the understanding of employee leadership that ward managers have, how they perceive themselves as leaders, and which personnel management tasks they undertake. The position of the ward manager is becoming increasingly important in hospitals. It is on the wards that the goals and tasks of the hospital are realized, and where both patients and nursing staff feel comfortable. Therefore, the leadership style of a ward manager can influence the job satisfaction and performance of the nursing staff, and thus also affect the level of patient satisfaction and the success of a hospital. Restructuring in the hospital sector and increased economic pressure on hospitals are additional relevant factors.