Human-centered leadership development: A communication perspective.

Fairhurst, G. T., & Connaughton, S. L. (2021). Human-centered leadership development: A communication perspective. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 28(1), 5–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/15480518211056558

This article examines human-centered leadership (HCL) through the lens of communication theory, arguing that leadership is constructed through discourse and interaction. Fairhurst and Connaughton challenge the view of leadership as a set of static traits, instead positioning it as a dynamic, relational process. The authors evaluate how communication practices—such as framing, active listening, and dialogue—enable leaders to recognize the agency and dignity of their followers. They advocate for a shift in leadership development programs from skill-based training to more holistic approaches that emphasize conversational competence and social constructionism. The article is highly evaluative, critiquing existing leadership development for being too instrumental and advocating for a more "human" approach that values pluralism and diverse perspectives. This source is a significant contribution to the field, offering a sophisticated theoretical grounding for HCL and providing educators with a roadmap for fostering more inclusive and communicative leadership behaviors.