I’ve been thinking about leadership. It’s the lack of leadership that has occupied most of my thoughts while working with executive coaching clients. These smart, ambitious people are frustrated with the absence of brave leaders, leaders with vision, leaders who can confront a dysfunctional system, leaders with big ideas, leaders with emotional intelligence as well as high IQ, who can motivate others to higher levels. Clients long for their bosses to be influential, mission-driven, able to take the heat, and share their successes. They don’t need management — they want leadership.
I saw an ad in the New York Times’ Sunday Business section for a master class taught by Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue. She’s also the artistic director for Conde Nast.
Wintour is a journalist, editor, trend spotter, kingmaker, and a fashion icon. Miranda Priestly, the main character in The Devil Wears Prada, is ruthlessly modeled after her. Many people comment, negatively, on her perfectionism, demanding manner, and aloofness. (They often call her Nuclear Winter.) Few ever question her influence, leadership, and success. You can get a sense of her by watching a preview of the class at master class.
What struck me about the New York Times’ advertisement was the provocative and insightful statements scattered across the full page. You assume they are Anna’s words and beliefs. Each grouping is thought-provoking, commanding, at times demeaning, being both motivational and controversial. The page opposite the phrases is a large photo of the back of Anna’s head (she is famous for her helmet-like, chin length bob). The imagine could only be Wintour. It invites you to get into her head.
I had a reaction and opinions to each of the phrases. I’m sure you will too. Instead of sharing my thoughts I’ll leave things open for your interpretation.
What comes to mind when you read:
YES or NO
NEVER MAYBE
IMPACT ISN’T SEASONAL TAKE CREDIT
GIVE CREDIT
OWN WHO YOU ARE
YOU’RE NOTHING WITHOUT YOUR TEAM
LEARN FROM YOUR CRITICS
LEAD WITH A VISION CREATE THE CULTURE
PLANT YOUR FLAG
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What does it tell you about leadership?
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What does it say about achieving success?
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Does it speak to you?
Great leaders question themselves, constantly. They share their thoughts carefully. They learn from others and from their experiences. They take risks. They are authentic. They build and develop teams. They are relentless. Are you a leader?
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