Abstract:

This presentation will be drawn from ongoing research of a leadership development program which its participants systematically describe as a transformative and life changing program. Based on 40+ qualitative interviews, we will describe the key design considerations which support a learning environment which acts as a catalyst for transformative journeys to occur. We will notably examine the design considerations which underpin two specific social contexts –a nurturing social context and a challenging social context and how each of these contexts supports the surfacing of emotions and the liberating of emotions. We will describe how a number of mechanisms-normalizing disclosure, leveraging narratives, triangulating experiences and encouraging risk act as foundational elements for the construction of the social contexts. We will also share how the surfacing of emotions and liberating of emotions operate as catalysts for various different types of transformative journeys to occur. This research was performed using a case study methodology and grounded theory approach.

Keywords:

Leadership Development, Transformative Journeys, Emotions, Social Context, Design Considerations.