This article is based on discussions between Mintzberg and his hosts during a recent visit to Ghana. Together they questioned the logic behind three common theories of development and applied their conclusions to the development of leaders.
Their conclusion is that leaders cannot be developed, and so Mintzberg asks himself: then what can be done?
His answer is threefold:
1. we can foster the conditions that give rise to indigenous leadership
2. people can be developed, as human beings, in their beliefs and behaviours, their thoughtfulness and self-respect. 3. we can develop managerial practice, not separate from leadership, but intrinsic to it.
The article was published in Development in Practice (2006), but can also be downloaded for free from Mintzberg's website.
