Leadership Capability Through Personal Insight and Leadership Identity

Abstract

Personal insight is the deep understanding of one’s own leadership capabilities, values and beliefs, and preferred leadership style. It is the basis of identifying leadership capability in any given context. Personal insight is important for a leader or potential leader to realise her or his strengths and to use this information to be more effective once insight is translated into action. Such knowledge can be acquired through feedback gained by established human resource processes which include 360-degree appraisal, assessments, or coaching and mentoring. A process for developing leadership capability therefore is to reflect on personal strengths and areas for development as provided by self-analysis or through third-party feedback, of which 360-degree appraisal is a common form; use the identified capability to form a leadership identity which is communicated by behaviour and leadership action and recognised as authentic by followers; execute leadership actions in a way that is sensitive to the people and operational context within which leadership takes place; and evaluate the outcomes of leadership with a view to adapting if necessary.