Addressing obstacles to success: Implementing change in Science delivery

Abstract or Summary

Authentic Leadership is a form of leadership derived from the post heroic leadership literature and is aimed at enhancing positive leadership in business via the enhancement of its root construct 'authenticity' or 'being true to oneself' . The call for authentic leadership development courses has experienced phenomenal growth in spite claims that authenticity cannot be taught. However, one approach to 'teaching' experiential based leadership incorporates and emphasizes the learning (cf teaching) development of leadership with emphasis on reflection and learning of leadership from experiences outside of the class room. The current sample of students use the above frame work, and also incorporate into their reflection and experiences times when they believe they acted with authenticity and also when they view their authenticity may have been challenged. At the conclusion of the course students are invited to reflect on their journal entries and write a short narrative about their 'best authentic self'. They describe their experience of authenticity as well as the impact of their leadership authenticity on their own wellbeing. Finally students discuss the role of authenticity and wellbeing in their future leadership development. Examples of student work is presented as support of authentic self in leadership, the development of positive leadership from a learning perspective, and implications for developing the individual leaders wellbeing.