Coaching and consulting for authentic leadership: A theoretical foundation for an evidence-based process model

Abstract

This chapter explores how theory and evidence-based practice converge to establish a theoretically-grounded understanding of a model used for authentic- leadership coaching and consulting. The Authentic-intention Model (AiM) is a model that is used within the context of promoting, developing and managing values-based, authentic-leadership behaviour. It is used to facilitate a shift in relational dynamics for the coaching client (coachee): From displaying a nonconscious, unacknowledged and unarticulated reactive behaviour (possibly perceived as being an 'untrustworthy' Agenda by others), toward a consciously articulated and intentional Dialogue (potentially perceived as being 'trustworthy' by others). The overall evidence-based outcome of applying this model has culminated in coachees reducing their relational anxiety, and being empowered to adopt a neutral meta-position within the context of their leadership roles. The coachees are ultimately able to transform their reactive Agenda into a relational Dialogue. The theories discussed in this chapter provide evidence that the aforementioned is associated with authentic- leadership behaviour. Importantly, the AiM is used as the conceptual framework with which to articulate this exposition.