Leadership training, design thinking and the ethics of care: Comments on Cornel du Toit

Abstract

This review article juxtaposes the principles of ‘design thinking’ and more specifically of human-centred, caring design thinking, with the kind of leadership (between idol and role model), which can achieve the goals of designing products and services that also serve the highest ethical standards for human thriving. The article takes its inspiration from the work of Cornel du Toit, in particular three key ideas from his vast oeuvre. These ideas were, firstly, Du Toit’s careful analysis of what technology-with-a-human-face means, secondly his writings about human consciousness as open, emergent and dynamic, and finally, the key role that relationality can play in leadership training for a more hopeful future.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: In this article, these three ideas are reflected on and linked to suggestions for role-model leadership training as part of design thinking education at the tertiary level.