RESEARCH ARTICLE
Understanding How Leader Identity Shapes Our Leadership
Rich Whitney,
L. J. McElravy,
Corresponding Author
Rich Whitney
University of La Verne, La Verne, California, USA
Search for more papers by this authorL. J. McElravy
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Search for more papers by this authorRich Whitney,
L. J. McElravy,
Corresponding Author
Rich Whitney
University of La Verne, La Verne, California, USA
Search for more papers by this authorL. J. McElravy
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 04 June 2025
ABSTRACT
This article explores leader identity development in men and women, examining how individuals make sense of their leadership experiences. The research question guiding this work, “Do men and women describe their defining moments (catalyst events) of leadership differently?” An analysis of multiple survey responses (n = 537) revealed similarities in leader identity development, with both sexes identifying situations and events as catalysts for leadership emergence. However, men were more likely to express responsibility, and women were more likely to consider the broader context of a situation. The findings suggest leadership development programs can utilize these defining moments of leadership to support leader identity development.
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