Roger Bretherton participated in my roundtable discussion about the current leadership crisis back in February. I had the opportunity to interview Roger one-on-one as a follow-up, exploring his diagnosis of what he sees happening.
Roger is a UK-accredited Clinical Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He is an Honorary Fellow at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and at the University of Lincoln (UK). His research has addressed the benefits of humility in leaders, the role of mindfulness in character development, a strengths-based approach to pro-environmental behaviours, the role of wisdom in business leadership, and character strengths in entrepreneurs.
He is the author of two books, The GOD Lab - 8 spiritual experiments you can try at home, and Being Mindful, Being Christian: A guide to mindful discipleship.
Keywords
Leadership, character development, psychology, faith, resilience, emotional well-being, integration, positive emotions, prayer, spirituality
Takeaways
Character strengths are essential for effective leadership.
The intersection of psychology and faith can enhance leadership skills.
Understanding the psychological aspects of leadership crises is crucial.
Purpose is a key element in effective leadership.
Resilience is necessary for leaders facing emotional challenges.
Positive emotions can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.
Prayer and contemplation are vital for personal and leadership growth.
Integration of psychological and spiritual practices is essential for holistic leadership.
Leaders should focus on their strengths to improve well-being.
Creating a positive emotional climate leads to better organisational outcomes.
Summary of the Interview
In this conversation, Dr. Jason Swan Clark and Dr. Roger Bretherton explore the intricate relationship between leadership, psychology, and spirituality. They discuss the importance of character strengths, resilience, and purpose in effective leadership, as well as the need for integration between psychological practices and spiritual beliefs. The dialogue emphasises the role of positive emotions and prayer in enhancing leadership effectiveness and well-being, ultimately advocating for a holistic approach to leadership development.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Character Development
02:44 The Intersection of Psychology and Faith
04:54 Understanding Leadership in a Crisis
07:19 The Role of Character in Leadership
09:59 Metabolising Emotions in Leadership
12:17 The Christian Meta-Narrative and Leadership
14:52 Resilience and Leadership
17:27 The Interface of Theology and Psychology
19:32 Embodiment and Connection in Leadership
22:04 The Role of Playfulness in Leadership
24:56 Integrating Insights for Effective Leadership
32:01 Priming for Positive Leadership
34:52 The Ripple Effect of Positive Emotions
36:55 Integrating Psychology and Spirituality
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