Leadership is Cinematic

Leadership is Cinematic January 28, 2014

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I enjoy how movies shape our lives by telling stories that appeal to all of our senses. The movies I have seen throughout my life show me what it is to love, to grow, to lead. They give me tangible examples of heroes, leaders, and friends.

Now I live in a part of the world where a lot of those movies are produced. It is hard, challenging work to tell those stories well, and profitably.

When I meet a possible new client for the first time, one of the questions I ask is about their favorite movie. Their answer tells me a great deal about how they see leadership.

We each set out to create the kind of leadership we want to have. It may be a drama or a comedy, a thriller or a fantasy, a small independent project or a star-studded blockbuster.

Some of us lead like travel movies, on location in different parts of the world. Some people are documentary leaders, some are animated leaders, some are short subject leaders. Some leaders have amazing soundtracks, and some do not.

It took me some time to realize that in my leadership, I am not the star of the picture. I am not the director, the cinematographer, or even the artistic director. I am the producer.

I produce my own leadership. My leadership may have many facets. I may make adjustments or lead differently in response to a variety of situations. I am responsible for ensuring that my leadership reflects my core values.

I am the person who decides what my leadership is about and communicates that to each of the other people involved.

This is a StrategicMonk production.

Who is your favorite movie leader?

What kind of leadership would you like to produce?

[Image by popturf.com]


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