The Way of the Developing Leader

Research into the art and science of leading, the act of becoming a leader and how leaders develop, is continually expanding to the point where the search for an effective leader development programme has become a continuous search in a sea of diversity. The latest addition to the postgraduate programme in educational management at Universiti Brunei Darussalam includes a three-day reflective leader development experience of the type that anthropologists have documented as being in use since pre-history. For the developing leader, it involves immersion into a personal journey of interaction, discussion, reflection and finally emergence from this ‘rite of passage ’ to an invigorated sense of being a leader from which there is no turning back. When supported from other parts of the programme, by methods of instruction such as lecturing, research and practicum, experiencing this pathway of the developing leader produces deep learning and personal understanding. Observable behaviour change occurs as the participants become more aware and begin emulating effective leader character traits, behaviours and personalities. From this new way of acting and seeing their world, also comes a refinement of their leadership skills and strategies. Group cohesion is strengthened giving real hope to establishing lasting leader support networks within the education system. Such networks will eventually strengthen the education system and lead to opportunities for research and consultancies in the schools. Current master participants are working with past participants to uncover the long-term benefits of this ‘rite of passage ’ way of the developing leader