Leadership as the construction of one’s own story

Abstract

The constructivist framework of career development provides the theoretical foundation for narrative approaches to career counselling practices. Within the constructivist paradigm, a crucial role is played by the thematic stories created by individuals to learn, make meaning of their experiences, life, and career, as well as to construct their own identity. This article describes a ‘thought experiment’, which explores the perception of leadership as the creation of one’s own story. This idea implies the consideration of issues such as concept, storyline, purpose, receivers, credibility, fidelity, preparation for performance, and leadership ending. Deliberations on these issues take the form of questions for reflection, which are posed for leaders generally for their individual reflection as well as for those involved in career counselling or coaching practice. The proposed narrative conceptualization offers insight and strategies for developing one’s own leadership identity.