Foundations of Leadership Development

This textbook introduces the Self-Leadership Stance (SLS), a practical framework built on five daily actions (start with yourself, be curious, access resources, cultivate discipline, and show compassion) that students carry from chapter to chapter and into their daily lives. Organized as a journey in three parts, the book moves from leading yourself (self-awareness, emotional intelligence, wellness, integrity, motivation, and resilience) to leading with others (communication, relationship building, conflict resolution, and time management) to leading in the world (global leadership, personal vision and mission, and designing a self-leadership development plan).

Each chapter pairs current research with tools students can use immediately: self-assessments, reflective journaling exercises, case studies, life and workplace application activities, peer-coaching prompts, and discussion questions. Short introduction videos accompany every chapter. The final chapter guides students through building a personalized development plan that ties together everything they have learned.

Written in a conversational, mentor-like style grounded in real-world experience, this textbook helps students build a strong foundation in leadership development, starting with the one person they fully control.

Oliver S. Crocco is Associate Professor in the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development (HRD) at Louisiana State University, USA. His scholarship explores global leadership development and adult learning as developmental and transformative processes in complex settings, regional and comparative human resource development, particularly in Southeast Asia, and the changing nature of work and workplace learning.

Tomika W. Greer is Associate Professor, Associate Department Chair, and Program Coordinator of HRD at the University of Houston, USA. In her research, she critically examines postsecondary education, job transitions, telework, and work-life integration with a focus on helping women and marginalized groups manage and develop thriving and sustainable careers.

Edward A. Gibbons III is Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Undergraduate Programs Coordinator in the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development (HRD) at Louisiana State University, USA. His scholarship focuses on undergraduate HRD curriculum design, curricular patterns across postsecondary programs, and the strategic differentiation of HRD education in the United States. At LSU, Dr. Gibbons teaches undergraduate and graduate courses focused on human resource development, leadership development, organizational analysis, and performance improvement.