Developing leader character: implications and lessons for HRD

Willocks, Katie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8499-4860 (2025) Developing leader character: implications and lessons for HRD. Human Resource Development International, 28 (1). pp. 152-164. ISSN 1367-8868

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Abstract

Today’s business leaders face an unprecedented number of organisational challenges in their daily practice. It is undeniable that good leadership is challenging and when faced with the complex reality of day-to-day leadership complexities many leaders struggle to perform effectively. Leadership development programmes typically focus on developing leadership skills and competencies, neglecting important issues of ‘leader character’. In this paper, the author makes a case for the development of leader character as a way of enhancing leadership potential and wider organisational effectiveness. Subsequently, a range of human resource development practices that can support the development of leader character are discussed. This article will benefit organisations and HRD practitioners that seek to develop leader character as part of leadership development.