| dc.description.abstract | Various scholars such as (Tuchman: 1978:1; Orodho and Kombo :2002: 2; Mouly and
Redman; Clifford .W; Stephenson, M and Slesinger, D; Mugenda and Mugenda 2012))
have defined research and emerged with the conclusions that research has the following
characteristics;
-Systematic suggests procedure, order; a logical organized process; stepwise with
a beginning and an end. Research is not done accidentally
-Research is a learning process. There is no research for research sake. It has a
purpose
-Research is factual; collecting, organizing and evaluating data in a scientific
manner
-It involves redoing, reinforcing existing facts and prior findings
-Manipulation of things means putting issues or things or people to test so as to
qualify your findings; new or existing
-It is done to fill existing knowledge gaps.
The above scholars view research as an outward activity performed by the researcher to
the other. In the present article however, we seek to view research as an exercise that
leaders can perform towards self discovery and to the understanding of the immediate
social, economic and significant environment that would help them transform their
leadership styles. The article is thus a re- looking at the diverse models proposed for
research on self. We evaluate the extent to which these tools can be said to lead to self
discovery and to the understanding of one’s social, academic and other environments
and hence enhance leadership skills and competencies.
The article borrows heavily from personal experiences of the author as a researcher and
leader. The author developed the article after undergoing two modules in an Executive
Masters personal development leadership program. The first module introduced the
author to The trait Approach, Multiple Intelligences and the 360 degrees. Self discovery
and identification of gaps in personal development using these three tools proved an
uphill task. However, this was overcome by the use of Goleman, Daniel’s (2010: 141)
“five discoveries’. Using Coleman’s proposals, the author was able to look at her life
holistically; Family; Communal and professional and thus address gaps in her
leadership capacity . | en_US |
