It is important to note that the phenomenologist may not do all of the steps listed
above. Classical phenomenologists practice the first three distinguishable methods: (1)
describe a type of experience that interests the researcher and others; (2) investigate the
experiences; and (3) reflect on the themes that emerge from the investigation. Thus, in
the end, all the classical phenomenologists practice analysis of experience that factor out
notable features for further elaboration (Van Manen, 1990). Using a phenomenological
framework allowed me to explore the phenomena of Joe Clark‘s leadership, strategies,
and methods thematically by classifying certain essences of my participants‘ experiences
as they emerged. Spiegelberg (1982) defined essences as ―the whatness of things‖ or the
key elements of things. Van Manen (1990) further explained,