Uncovering, Understanding, Unleashing, Overcoming: Exploring Drivers and Blockers in Leadership Development Practice

Abstract

Previous chapters covered our literature review (including relevant examples from our own research work). In this chapter, we relate drivers and blockers in an integrative manner to leadership development practice. We present the “Drivers and Blockers Exploration Tool”, with detailed examples from our field research, to uncover an individual’s drivers and blockers—connected to a defined leadership aspiration, specific development objective(s) and context. Our research suggests that forming a picture of one’s drivers and blockers should enhance self-awareness in leaders, increasing the possibility of their accepting and internalizing both the positive and negative forces involved with personal change. This is based on our review of the literature and our experience of designing and delivering leadership development programs for senior executives around the world.