Part of becoming a great leader depends on paying attention to the traits that make other people excel at leadership. Role models can teach us to overcome our own shortcomings and develop skills and perspectives that allow employees to succeed. When people think of leadership role models, a few names frequently come to mind, such as Steven Jobs or Michael Bloomberg. However, it can be beneficial to think outside the box when it comes to finding leadership role models. Thinking creatively about leadership helps us think critically about our own performance and adopt novel approaches to our own roles. Below are some interesting, if unexpected, leadership role models and a look at what they have to teach us.
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William Shakespeare
While William Shakespeare may have written some of the most famous works in history, few people would think of him as a great leader. However, his work contains some invaluable business advice. For example, a professor at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania uses Henry V to illustrate the importance of storytelling in the business world. When business leaders are able to paint a picture of their vision, they become better at getting people, whether they are potential employees or investors, to buy into it. Individuals who are eloquent and skilled at painting a picture for the audience tend to go much farther than people with poor communication skills.
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Nelson Mandela
People tend to think of Nelson Mandela more as a peacemaker than a leader. However, it was his ability to forgive that made him such a powerful figure. After more than 20 years of imprisonment, Mandela set aside his feelings to forge meaningful working relationships with the very people that imprisoned him. Such propensity toward forgiveness is critical for becoming a good leader. Often, leaders must forge and maintain relationships with people that they do not necessarily like. Those who hold grudges struggle to lead effectively. Mandela teaches us how important it is to set aside personal emotions in service of the greater good.
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Malala Yousifazi
A young woman and activist, Malala Yousifazi has made an incredible difference for females around the world. Yousifazi survived an assassination attempt after speaking out for women’s rights and education in the Middle East and has since relocated to the United Kingdom to continue her important advocacy work. What leaders can learn from Yousifazi is perseverance. Despite the many challenges and setbacks she has faced throughout her life, she continues to fight for what she believes is right. Leaders need similar perseverance to continue their work even in the darkest of times if they hope to inspire the people who follow them.
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Rafael Nadal
An extraordinary tennis player, Rafael Nadal shows leaders the importance of situational awareness and quick action. He is a successful player because he keeps a constant eye on the court and his opponent to track possible outcomes and responds quickly and effectively. In many ways, leadership is like a tennis match. Leaders must strategize and think about possible outcomes, as well as the appropriate reactions, so that they can act decisively and confidently. Much of leadership depends on behavioral fitness, and Nadal is a perfect example of developing and implementing this set of skills.
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James T. Kirk
Fans of Star Trek will naturally see the leadership qualities present in Captain James T. Kirk, but even those who are less familiar with the show can learn a great deal from his leadership style. Kirk knows the importance of exploration, experimentation, and the quest for knowledge. Dedicated to learning, he shows other leaders how to be bold, brave, and innovative. Effective leadership often involves leading people into uncharted territories in their respective industries, and great leaders do this as a matter of course. Playing it safe is important at times, but always taking this course of action will result in a lack of progress that can drag an organization to the ground.
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Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Around the world, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is known for her extraordinary talent. Adept at business, she masterfully balances her successful career with marriage and motherhood. What makes Beyoncé such a great role model for leaders is her conviction. She is not afraid to make her opinion known and speak out for the change that she wishes to see in the world. From “Flawless,” a song about the power and determination of women, to “Formation,” which tackles the issues of race in the United States, Beyoncé addresses some of the most pressing issues today. Leaders likewise need conviction and passion to earn the respect of their followers.
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The 2013 Boston Red Sox
Image by Keith Allison | Flickr
After the Boston Marathon bombing, the Red Sox rallied as a team, growing their beards long in solidarity, and won the World Series. While we can point to specific players on the team that made the major win possible, the point is that it took the whole team to claim the title. Sometimes, leadership is about more than just the individual, and great leaders know the value of collaboration, especially when everyone brings their absolute best to the table. While individuals can accomplish great things, it takes a closely-knit team to accomplish extraordinary things—and the best leaders keep this fact in mind.