‘What are leaders’ experiences of reflection?’ What leaders and leadership developers need to know from the findings of an exploratory research study

Abstract

This qualitative grounded theory study explored leaders’ experience of reflection in the workplace. The study found that reflection of the quality described by the sample was ultimately a creative process and a creative act which freed potential and brought new possibilities into the world for themselves, for others, and across their businesses. Reflection had supported their own processes of learning to BECOME a leader as well as informing their acts as a leader. Clear returns on investment were identified. The implications of the study’s findings for leaders and leadership developers – coaches, mentors and trainers – are explored.

Keywords:

• leadership
• reflection
• learning
• creativity
• coaching