CookiesWe use cookies to enhance your experience and the functionality of our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More

CookiesWe use cookies on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More

Love Unleashed A New Momentum of Heart Consciousness Unfolding An In-Person HeartMath/Global Coherence Retreat in Santa Cruz, CA Learn More

Research Library
Publication

Developing Leadership by Building Psychological Capital

    • Published: 2015 IND
    • Marian N. Ruderman; Cathleen Clerkin
    • Research Report, Center for Creative Leadership, 2015.
    • Download the complete paper, click here.

Introduction

Leadership development is essential to global competitiveness and corporate sustainability. Organizations often frame the development of leadership in terms of "competencies," or the behavioral skills and areas of knowledge required by the business. However, focusing on competencies alone dismisses the key role that psychological resources play in leadership—especially in today’s fast-paced and uncertain global leadership environment.

The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®) is currently exploring how to better address the challenges of today’s workplace by making the development of psychological resources such as resiliency and optimism an integral part of leadership training.

In this report, we share scientific findings from a recent CCL study examining conditions that cultivate psychological capital within CCL’s weeklong Leadership Development Program (LDP)®.

We found that LDP had positive effects on psychological capital, and that self-regulation techniques may boost psychological resources.

We also discuss what psychological capital is, why it’s an important leadership resource, and what leaders can do to boost their psychological capital and cultivate positive psychological resources.