What makes a leader effective? Why should leaders shift from a passive role to an active one?
Holistic leadership development requires more than just theoretical knowledge, as explained by Herminia Ibarra in her book Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader. Her research reveals that meaningful leadership growth emerges from engaging in new experiences and roles, rather than solely through introspection.
Discover how action-based learning can revolutionize your approach to becoming an influential leader.
Understanding Active Leadership
Holistic leadership development comes from broadening your perspective by actively taking on roles and seeking new experiences, rather than merely contemplating leadership in theory. Taking initiative catalyzes the reflective process that transforms your viewpoint on leadership.
The Power of Proactive Engagement
People experience profound shifts in their perspective on leadership by being proactive. As Aristotle observed, individuals cultivate virtue through their actions and rise to leadership positions by taking on associated responsibilities. Social psychology confirms that behavioral changes can indeed lead to a shift in mindset.
Expanding Your Experience Base
Participating in diverse activities creates new experiences that interrupt your usual patterns of thinking. These experiences can challenge and potentially change your preconceived notions about identity and leadership role. Through new experiences, you can nurture essential leadership abilities and reshape your self-perception as a leader.
Moving Beyond Introspection
Reflecting alone can sometimes tether you to past experiences, hindering the unveiling of your potential to lead. After all, how can you comprehend your identity without considering your own behavior? To gain the necessary external viewpoint, you must prioritize action over contemplation.
Shaping Identity Through Action
As you adopt new behaviors, your self-perception and identity form naturally. This creates a cycle where novel situations and understandings lead to a reevaluation of existing convictions and encourage openness to alternative opportunities.
The Evolution of Leadership
Leadership development is a gradual evolution, not an instantaneous event. Take George’s example: he transformed his self-perception into that of a catalyst for change by mastering and employing business tools. Like a budding chef who develops through acquiring expertise and practical involvement, George forged a connection with his evolving role through active participation and consultation with experts.
Embracing External Experience
Herminia Ibarra emphasizes that hands-on activities enhance leadership abilities more effectively than introspection alone. For sustained development, emerging leaders should engage in activities that foster innovative thinking rather than merely contemplating behavioral changes. This process of transformation begins externally through diverse activities and behaviors, gradually becoming internalized through self-reflection and change.
