Emotional evolution in adulthood
Continuing education and executive programmes form a significant part of the current effort to develop as a society. The EU-funded 'Introspective journey and change: is adult development possible?' (Human development) project has investigated the benefits of adult learning. Its main objective was to assess in what ways and to what extent transformational executive programmes may enhance the process. The project has mapped changes that take place through transformational executive programmes. It found that cultivating certain leadership behaviours or competencies is vital for the developmental process and enhances individual change. More concretely, increasing self-awareness and skills usually associated with emotional intelligence are of primary importance. Apart from a behavioural change, the project established that the identity of the participants should be enriched in successful development, especially in role transitions and other personal or professional turning points throughout their careers. Human development researchers also investigated leadership development methods that are more effective for different categories of people enrolling in executive programmes. It mapped how change happens and what conditions make a difference in terms of programme design and pedagogies. Creating a safe space for learning, offering group and peer coaching, and providing a multi-modular programme structure were crucial for designing effective curriculums. Committing to support participants in their professional realms was also deemed important. In parallel, the research team worked on developmental tools in organisational programmes that support individual change. It edited a book entitled 'The coaching kaleidoscope: insights from the inside' for coaching and leadership development: it probes processes of human change triggered by group coaching as part of executive programmes at business schools. The project adopted a multidisciplinary approach to provide leaders with transformational learning experiences that go beyond transferring tools, knowledge and techniques. It explored how these programmes can create more reflective and self-aware leaders resulting in better workplaces. Research revealed how individual development in transformational executive programmes can encourage self-enhancement through an increase of emotional intelligence and empathy at work. At the end of the day, when designed properly, transformational executive programmes create more reflective people for better organisations with healthier corporate cultures. The findings of this project will support professionals who want to develop their career in more creative and self-fulfilling ways. It will serve as a roadmap to guide professional development of executives and people working in the human resources field, as well as consultants and programme directors at business schools.