A New Generation of Wise Thinkers and Good Leaders: What Can Character Contribute?

Abstract

Dynamics of connection, complexity, and precarity make leadership in the 21st century a challenging
task. This article considers the turn to values-based and person-centered leadership that has resulted
and the correlate movement in leadership development, where there is a focus not only on technical but
relational competencies, allied to leader behaviors and mindsets. Deficits when it comes to the integration
and depth of competency-based approaches highlight the importance of character. The article makes a
case for character development in leadership education, drawing on the work of the Oxford Character
Project at the University of Oxford to explore what character is, what character contributes when it comes
to leadership, and how character might be cultivated in a new generation of wise thinkers and good
leaders.