Leadership as a Field of Study: Teach Me to Lead! (Or, So You Think You Want to Pursue a PhD in Leadership)

Do you want to develop your leadership skills?
Do you want to learn how to lead more effectively in a global (and competitive) environment?
Do you desire an opportunity to practice (and enhance) your leadership abilities in a controlled environment?
Are you interested in becoming a "BETTER LEADER?"

If your answers to these questions were all "yes" then you may be interested in pursuing a PhD in a leadership-oriented field (Leadership Studies, Organizational Leadership, etc).

However, if your answers to these questions were all "yes," then a leadership-oriented PhD program may not be what you need. A leadership conference may be what you need. A leadership conference can help to develop your leadership potential.... but, that is not (nor should it be) the aim of a leadership-oriented doctoral program.

Leadership, as a field of study, should be thought of as any other interdisciplinary applied science. You do not pursue a PhD program in a leadership oriented field to develop your own leadership abilities.... just as much as you don't pursue a PhD in management or a PhD in communication to become a better manager or a better communicator!

Granted, as a result of studying and researching specific aspects of leadership (or management, or communication) you MAY develop your skills in these areas... (which in economic terms would be considered a "positive externality" from studying the field). But, it is not a given... nor should it be the intent.

A PhD program in a leadership-oriented field is just that.... a PhD program in a leadership-oriented field. A PhD program, by its very nature, should be research intensive and culminate in the production of original academic research that adds to the greater body of knowledge in whatever area is being studied. It is not a 4 - 6 year long "conference" intended to develop you into a "better leader."

As a result, prospective students interested in leadership, as a field of study, should first, realize what the study of leadership is... and secondly, should realize what the study of leadership is not.

Now, there may indeed exist questionable doctoral programs in leadership that are marketed as programs to develop you into a better leader... but, just as there are questionable doctoral programs in psychology, in education, and in counseling... you have to really examine the content of the program, the reputation of the school (and the program), and the expectations of the faculty and the administrators.

So... you think you want to pursue a PhD in Leadership?

If researching and studying leadership and leadership processes are what you're interested in then you may want to consider pursuing a PhD program in leadership (and I would advise you to read more about PhD programs in this area and to (critically) examine the list of programs in the field). However, if you simply want to become a "better leader" then I would encourage you to save your money (especially if you do not have a fellowship) and also save your time... pursue your passion... but, just know that a PhD may not be it.