Leadership as a way of life: The placement of distributed leadership practice within a Stoical context

The 'place' of leadership within organisations, institutions and societies is increasingly being thrown into question. As a concept, leadership can no longer be confined within the boundaries of individualistic endeavours (Case, French, & Simpson, 2011; Collins, 2001; Kodish, 2006; Ladkin, 2010b; Price, 2018; Raelin, 2004, 2016). Social cues increasingly indicate a desire for forms of leadership that transcend traditional hierarchical interpretations, focusing attention instead on the practice of leadership regardless of position (Raelin, 2016). This then requires non-linear approaches to evaluating leadership development as our leadership paradigms shift to more collective interpretations and experiences (Bolden & Gosling, 2006; Edwards & Turnbull, 2013). As such, the 'place' of leadership must evolve beyond the perpetuation of self-interests toward a collective sense of the common good; ironically perhaps, an evolution that may be guided by ancient philosophical perspectives.