21. “As the Twig Is Bent, so the Tree Shall Grow”: Developing Strategic Intuition Through Reflective Practices in Bachelor Programs in Leadership Studies

Large, stratified hierarchies require different models of leadership to produce desired outcomes, especially at strategic levels. To many senior practitioners, strategic leadership depends on intuitive judgment. Indeed, the technology-accelerated pace of the current senior-level leadership environment, and the array of unstructured problems senior leaders face, may not support empirical and evidenced-based processes. Cunningham and Meinhart argue that intuition is experiential, tacit knowledge that can be enhanced by self-reflective techniques. Reflection should be adopted early and strengthened by foundational education in the language and concepts of leadership. They suggest specific reflective practices, inculcated at the baccalaureate level, which can be taught and employed to focus experiential learning as leaders rise through an organization.