what is Grounded Theory Leadership?

Grounded Theory Leadership (GTL) takes its name from a common social‑science research approach. In a grounded theory research study, qualitative research is used to develop theories that are “grounded" in data, rather than starting with pre-existing theories. It involves concurrent data collection and analysis, allowing the theory to emerge iteratively from the data itself.

Similarly, in Grounded Theory Leadership, I do not approach leadership growth with a pre-existing theory or prescribed leadership model meant to form-fit onto a client’s bespoke context. Instead, I use evidence-based practices to establish a perspective on a client’s strengths and areas for growth that is grounded in data. From there, the GTL coaching process unfolds iteratively and collaboratively - supporting leaders as they move from Insight to Integration to Impact.

How GTL Works:

Here’s where you’re starting:

  • As a leader, you’re striving for that next altitude.

  • As a team, you need to move twice as fast.

  • As an organization, you need everyone headed in the same direction.

Here’s how we’ll get there:

Insight

As we move through our day, our minds are constantly collecting pieces of a puzzle. Insight is the moment when you have collected enough of the right pieces that suddenly the full picture of where you are heading snaps into view.

We’ll use psychometric assessments, verbal 360 interviews, and custom surveys to clarify the full picture.

Integration

If insight is the moment the puzzle comes into view, integration is when you start living and leading as if you see the picture. It’s the process of rearranging your habits, choices, and responses to align with that new understanding.

Through evidence-based practices we’ll bring this full picture into focus with care, repetition, and time.

Impact

As your habits, choices, and responses reflect your full picture, those around you begin to see how all of the puzzle pieces fit together too. Others get on board, start contributing their own pieces, and the picture begins to expand.

We’ll align early in our GTL process on the impact you hope to achieve and celebrate together as it unfolds.

Ready? Get in Touch.

ingen@groundedtheoryleadership.com
(206) 718-4901