1. Introduction

In this chapter, we introduce the idea of exploring driversandblockers—both conscious and unconscious—in leadership development as a prerequisite and contribution to enhanced and profound self-awareness. This chapter provides an overview of the chapters to come, as well the interconnections between these. In the process, it discusses potential reservoirs or sources of drivers and blockers in people, including the conscious and the unconscious, emotions, personality and values. We also introduce the “Drivers and Blockers Exploration Tool” which is an effective intervention contribution for leaders to incorporate within an integrated leadership development process to assist with achieving their desired change objectives. This chapter concludes by briefly discussing the contributions and implications for leadership development research and practice of our work on drivers and blockers, as well as providing an example from our field work to bring the drivers and blockers concept into focus at the outset.