This study examined how rehabilitation professionals interact within their peer leadership networks during the first year after completing leadership development training. The goal was to gain insight into their networking experiences, the formation of peer leadership networks, and the strengthening of collective leadership within the organization. A sequential, exploratory mixed-methods approach combining Q-methodology with focus group interviews was used to capture the experiences of 11 rehabilitation professionals working at an urban rehabilitation hospital over the first year following leadership development training. The analysis generated three key themes: (a) opportunities to establish connections, (b) a shared community of leaders, and (c) the emergence of a supportive peer leadership network. The findings suggest that meaningful shared experiences and accessible opportunities for connection within a strong peer leadership network can foster leadership growth across individuals, regardless of their prior leadership or networking abilities. Engaging in collective dialogue within a supportive peer leadership environment can reinforce learning from leadership development programs, promoting both individual leadership advancement and broader organizational improvement. Healthcare organizations are encouraged to actively support connection-building within healthy leadership networks to strengthen both individual and collective leadership capacity.
