Leader, “know yourself”: bringing back self-awareness, trust and feedback with a theory O perspective
Journal of Organizational Change Management
ISSN: 0953-4814
Article publication date: 25 December 2020
Issue publication date: 30 March 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores how leaders identify their roles and selves when they lead change in a dynamic organizational context.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative approach, ten ICT leaders participated in semi-structured interviews depicting their experiences of change. A thematic method of interpretative analysis was used to develop findings, supported by Theory U as a conceptual tool for leadership self-awareness.
Findings
Leaders struggle with organizational constraints and boundaries, specifically the complexities that form and limit their leadership underpinned by unrealistic expectations due to the construction of romanticized heroic leadership. While these restrictions lead to feelings of detachment of leaders from their organizations, leadership development exists in the acts of letting go of old behaviors, and welcoming emergence and experimentation by trusting more.
Research limitations/implications
This study may be limited by its small sample and the use of one framework to make sense of the leaders' experience of change. It confirms that change can challenge organizing norms and how leadership is identified.
Practical implications
Despite the feeling of detachment from their organizations, developing greater self-awareness, being open to new ideas and trusting more can bring about better organizational outcomes, which is represented with Theory O as a contribution both for theory and practice.
Originality/value
This study illustrates (1) leaders' inner work or personal experience of change, and (2) how improvement of self-awareness can contribute to the involvement of leaders to the change process. Based on self-awareness, trust and feedback relationship, this study suggests a new practical and conceptual tool called Theory O by advancing Theory U.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Professor Magala and the reviewers for their constructive comments.
Citation
Crook, N., Alakavuklar, O.N. and Bathurst, R. (2021), "Leader, “know yourself”: bringing back self-awareness, trust and feedback with a theory O perspective", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 350-365. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-05-2020-0131
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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