A Controversial Perspective on Leadership Development
Rick James
Research carried out amongst civil society leaders in Malawi brought out similarities between the behavioural change processes that leaders went through and some key elements of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Twelve-Step process.
Based on these findings, the author argues that those involved in leadership development may have much to learn from those who have been involved in dealing with additiction, and may need to take a new approach. This implies:
focusing on leaders early in their leadership careers
focusing on leaders who accept that 'life has become umanageable'
promoting self-reflection and responsibility
encouraging openness to admit errors and seek forgiveness
exploring the influence of people's spiritual beliefs on behaviour and change
exploring the organisational context into which leaders are returning
formalising the role of mentors
promoting peer support groups
doing more to send people out to influence the behaviour of fellow autocrats
