Leadership Communication · UC Berkeley Haas
Scaffolding Self-Reflection to Develop Authentic Leadership
Research from Haas School of Business shows that structured, scaffolded journaling dramatically changes how students write—and think—about their own leadership.
What You'll Find Here
Resources for every stakeholder in the authentic leadership journey.
For Students
Use structured journaling prompts to reflect on your leadership before writing your final paper. Research shows it makes the paper faster and better.
Start Journaling →For Instructors
Design scaffolded self-reflection assignments that encourage genuine depth. Practical guidance on prompts, formats, and preventing AI shortcuts.
View Guidance →Research Findings
Pre/post data from Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 cohorts at Haas shows how restructuring the journaling assignment changed student writing process metrics.
See the Data →"We all have the capacity to inspire and empower others. But we must first be willing to devote ourselves to our personal growth and development as leaders."
— Discovering Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George, Peter Sims, Andrew N. McLean, and Diana Mayer
Harvard Business Review, February 2007