Becoming More Self-Aware: Removing Sedimentation and Discovering Hidden Treasures

To develop a deeper understanding of how’ leaders become more consciously self-aware, this paper presents research from a wider qualitative study which explored the socially constructed lived experiences and understandings of 15 senior leaders who engaged in an authentic leader development (ALD) process through the vehicle of executive coaching. The aim here is to understand better ‘what went on’ for leaders during the ALD process, to develop a deeper appreciation of ‘how’ leaders become more introspective, self-aware, arguably more authentic and self-confident in their leader roles, to ultimately enable the creation of an actual leader development process.