Abstract
Purpose. Because authentic leadership is one of the newer theories in leadership, still in the early stages of development, this inquiry contributes to the current development and understanding of authentic leadership by investigating the consciousness or lived experiences of Harry Potter, a fictional character and protagonist in the Harry Potter books, for the purpose of isolating and categorizing specific examples and behavior patterns as they lead toward authentic leadership.Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework of this inquiry included an analysis of the connection between fact and fiction and its implications for authentic leadership as it appears in the Harry Potter books. Exploring, defining, and synthesizing the conclusions of authentic leadership knowledge in the seven-volume series of the Harry Potter books was the central task of this inquiry.Methodology. An investigation into Harry Potter's journey toward authentic leadership in the Wizarding World was examined through the execution of Bill George's (2015) authentic leadership development model with the three research questions serving as a focal point for this inquiry.Findings and Conclusion. This inquiry investigated and discovered that Harry Potter revealed his True North by taking responsibility and ownership of his experiences and development, which led him to express his authentic leadership over the course of 7 years in the Wizarding World. Harry Potter was motivated by an internal commitment to an overarching self-concept that expressed itself consistently as an outward phenomenon lead himself and others, resulting in his personal transformation and the transformation of the entire Wizarding World.Recommendations. First, because the Harry Potter books illustrate the importance of teamwork, it would be valuable to investigate them through an authentic followership lens, examining the reciprocal effects of followership on the development and maturity of authentic leaders. Second, because the Harry Potter books stress the efficacy of applying cognitive reappraisal in overcoming fears, it would be valuable to investigate how the characters implemented this technique across the Wizarding World. Third, because Harry experiences various emotions throughout his journey, it would be valuable to investigate him through an emotional intelligence lens to identify his applicable emotions along his journey.