Identifying Dynamics of Counseling Leadership: A Content Analysis Study

Abstract

The authors synthesized counseling leadership literature to identify themes of counseling leadership. Using an inductive approach to content analysis, the authors analyzed 11 empirical articles, 9 conceptual articles, and 13 leadership profiles. Results yielded 24 emergent leadership themes that were sorted into 3 groups. Findings pave the way for more comprehensive research on counseling leadership and allow for increased intentionality in teaching, training, and practicing counseling leadership.

Examining Leadership With American Counseling Association Presidents: A Grounded Theory of Leadership Identity Development

“…Although Murphy and Johnson () began their conceptual life‐span model of leadership identity development with genetics and personalities, the data in our study pointed to relationships and context as beginning points for leadership. This is congruent with other researchers’ findings that parental influences, cultural worldviews, and early educational experiences in school, clubs, student government, and sports fostered specific values that led to leadership experiences and a sense of responsibility (McKibben et al, ; Nassar‐McMillan, ; Smith & Roysircar, ). We also found that the participants in our study described individuals and experiences that provided a foundation for their leadership identity development during sensitive periods of development (Bornstein, ).…”

“…When encouraged to reflect on effective leadership, core counseling listening skills emerged as those that inspired others and created trusting relationships. McKibben et al () and Yeager and Callahan () both emphasized how authenticity in leader–follower relationships is key to effective leadership. Authenticity breeds trust in relationships, so our participants may have found that developing those types of relationships reinforced their sense of self as a leader that reciprocates the effect in future leadership experiences.…”

“…As reflected in the content analysis of McKibben et al (), leadership dynamics have received much of the attention in the counseling leadership research. In addition, the intra‐ and interpersonal qualities of leaders have often been highlighted.…”

“…In the very nature of the counseling profession, counselors are required to lead in their capacity to serve others in different areas of counseling (e.g., school, mental health) and in knowledge, skills, advocacy, and social justice (McKibben, Umstead, & Borders, ; Sweeney, ). From available counseling research on leadership, McKibben et al () identified themes of counseling leadership dynamics that include leadership values and qualities, personal and interpersonal qualities, and interpersonal skills.…”

“…In the very nature of the counseling profession, counselors are required to lead in their capacity to serve others in different areas of counseling (e.g., school, mental health) and in knowledge, skills, advocacy, and social justice (McKibben, Umstead, & Borders, ; Sweeney, ). From available counseling research on leadership, McKibben et al () identified themes of counseling leadership dynamics that include leadership values and qualities, personal and interpersonal qualities, and interpersonal skills. These themes resonate with those for social justice leadership; Arredondo and Perez () cited necessary leadership qualities as “inner strength, personal courage, and deep spiritual convictions” (p. 287), reminiscent of qualities of servant leadership (Sendjaya, Sarros, & Santora, ).…”