Surthrive!

This book examines the influence of crucibles on the development of leadership capability. It analyses and interprets relevant comments relating to how Northland community leaders’ calling, character and competence developed, through surviving and thriving (Surthriving) overwhelming ordeals in their lives. The author did not set out to prove or challenge extant leadership and experiential learning theories or leadership praxis. It simply asked "How do crucibles influence Northland community leaders’ calling, character, and competence?" With this end in mind, the author undertook phenomenological research to interview 20 community leaders living in Northland, a low socio-economic region in New Zealand. The research showed crucibles triggered significant personal insights that encouraged respondents to perceive their problems more as personal development opportunities than as insurmountable obstacles. The most common crucibles involved family relationships, job and, death which were unpredictably forced upon them. These themes led the author to develop the 'Surthrive' concept, the development of leadership 'voice'.