Developmental Perspectives of Leader Identity Across the Life Span

Abstract Leader development is a lifelong process that entails a combination of intra- and interpersonal mechanisms to develop both the skill set and the mindset to become an effective leader. In this chapter, the authors build upon identity development theorizing across the life span to create a model of how leader identity development unfolds. Consistent with self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2003), the chapter highlights how leader identity development is often the result of a leader’s motivated action. However, the authors contrast this perspective with the reality that leadership must also be granted, so that some leaders may be pulled into leadership because of external pressure rather than internal motivation. Then, they integrate this model with a life-span perspective to build theory explaining how leader identity development differs at different stages of life. Specifically, they examine how leader skill development and identity development differ in content and importance at various stages of life and discuss the implications of theory and practice within the life-span perspective.