2024 / Why leaders need imagination

Why leaders need imagination

Authors: Gillian Judson

DOI: 10.62670/2308-7668.2024.47.1.003

Source: Issue: vol. 47 No. 1: 29 March 2024 

Publisher: PE "Center of Excellence"

Document type: Research article

Abstract

Imagination is rarely given serious consideration in the realm of leadership. And yet, leaders of all kinds require imagination to fulfil their roles in the highly complex and dynamic contexts in which they work. This article aims to address misunderstanding about imagination in the context of educational leadership, offering a research-based understanding of imagination and its crucial roles. First, metaphor is used to explore the meaning of imagination. Next, some of the imagination’s roles in leadership are described with reference to past and ongoing research. To conclude, readers are introduced to resources for learning more about imagination and how to cultivate it in their practice. This conclusion includes an opportunity and invitation to participate in a project that explores how imagination supports leadership for social and ecological justice.

Key words: imagination, cognitive tools, empathy, relational leadership, social justice leadership

 

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Links to websites:
Centre for Imagination in Research, Culture, and Education (CIRCE) website. www.circe-sfu.ca
Cultivating Imagination: Leading Toward a Just Future website. www.cultivateimagination.ca
imaginED: education that inspires. www.educationthatinspires.ca