Episodic memories of wilderness experiences foster sustainable leadership style transformation

Purpose – This research evaluates (1) work situations prompting participants to recall memories of a wilderness-based leadership training program, (2) the content of such memories, and (3) the leadership attitudesand behaviors inspired by those memories.
Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews was performed with 36 leaders who had participated in a wilderness leadership transformation program in the past (on average six years before).
Findings – The findings suggest that, at moments with emotional pressure and psychological stress, episodic memories of wilderness experiences have a positive influence on actual leadership style. Memories involved moments of solitude, a deep connection with nature, and peer-to-peer counseling. The interviewees regularly relived their emotion-laden wilderness experiences, acquiring direction and guidance. Simultaneously, episodic
memories of nature immersion promoted an enduring transformation of their leadership styles.
Research limitations/implications – The findings cannot be blindly generalized as referring to all leaders.
The leaders in this study are a subset of leaders who are inclined towards personal growth and leadership development. It is challenging to motivate leaders unkeen on changing to achieve better leadership.
Practical implications – This study indicates that the inclusion of emotional concepts to address the root causes of learning among leaders might be the most promising way to innovate leadership development.
Originality/value – The present study makes a novel contribution to relevant literature by examining leadership transformation through episodic remembrance of leaders’ experiences in nature.