Crucible moment warren bennis biography

Warren Bennis, one of the founders of the modern study of leadership, is said to offered a provocative perspective on where leaders come from:  “I don’t know if leadership can be taught … but I believe it can be learned.”

Bennis argued that many leaders are formed via “crucible moments”— formative events, critical struggles, or serious challenges that force individuals to learn, grow, and think differently about themselves.  And he argued that “becoming a leader” (which is the title of his classic book) depends more on discovering the world and fully expressing yourself than it does on learning what is taught in most business schools or executive education programs.

Not all of us get to experience “crucible moments” on a regular basis—probably a good thing, since these events can be taxing and disruptive.  In the absence of crucibles, how can you catalyze your own development as a l