A conscious leadership competency framework for leadership training

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a conscious leadership competency framework to be used in business training as well as in managerial study programs.Design/methodology/approachFirst, using literature review, the current state of knowledge in conscious leadership competency frameworks was examined. Subsequently, a framework analysis on a specific topical book was conducted to find competencies that determine a conscious leader. The output of this analysis was compared with a comprehensive leadership competency framework to propose a conscious leadership competency framework. This conscious leadership competency framework was then verified in interviews with conscious leaders.FindingsUntil now, a conscious leadership competency framework has not been proposed. Yet, there are competencies specific to conscious leaders that are not included in existing leadership competency frameworks. A new conscious leadership competency framework including possible ways of how to train and develop the conscious leadership competencies is suggested for future discussion.Research limitations/implicationsResearch limitations are discussed in this paper. More research in this area and further development of the conscious leadership competency framework are suggested.Practical implicationsThe proposed conscious leadership competency framework can be further discussed and developed, therefore becoming an effective tool for companies as well as educational institutions.Social implicationsMore consciousness in leadership will help tackle many current societal challenges.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the proposed conscious leadership competency framework is the first of its kind.