Eco-Sensitive Leadership: Enabling Educational Mindfulness Through Leadership to Address Human-Nature Pandemonium

• In Event: The Promise and Power of Mindfulness for School Leaders

Abstract

Leadership can be either an enabler or an impediment to transfiguring society to manage climate change while attending to environmental problems and challenges. There are limited studies that focus on leadership in Environmental Sustainability Education (ESE). Hence, the purpose of this doctoral study is to explore the experiences of leaders who adopt lucrative and efficacious community-based ESE (CESE) programs in Sri Lanka. This study observed and interviewed eight participants. Data analysis used an inductive interpretive qualitative design comprising triangulated thematic analysis. Preliminarily findings highlight emotional intelligence, emotional currency, eco-spirituality, and sense of educational responsibility as the sturdiest traits of successful eco-sensitive leaders. The uniqueness of Sri Lankan culture and indigenous knowledge-based upbringing plays a crucial role in nurturing these leaders.

Authors

• Prasadi H L Arachchige, Monash University

• Sylvia Christine Almeida, Monash University

• Zane Ma Rhea, Monash University