LOOKING BACK IN ORDER TO MOVE AHEAD AS A LEADER: A Personal Journey Line Narrative Exercise

Abstract

This article outlines a personal Journey Line Narrative exercise aimed at enhancing leader authenticity and effectiveness by asking students to “look back” and identify their core values, as well as the formative experiences that helped solidify those values. The Journey Line Narrative encourages reflection and self-awareness by asking students to answer the question “Who am I?”, to articulate this reflection to a mentor, and to distill this reflection into a coherent essay. This exercise can be useful in courses focused on leader development by helping aspiring leaders develop and communicate their authenticity, core values, and purpose