- December 5, 2008
- 16 Comments
Leadership Development Series – Who Would You Follow?
Just over a month ago, we elected a new national leader. Many were happy with the results, while some were disappointed; but I think we can all agree on being thankful that, after two years of campaigning, the process is finally over. Prior to the election, people were both enamored and critical over certain qualities the two unique presidential candidates showed. We won’t ask who you voted for here, but we would like to know what qualities attract you to a particular leader. Is it someone who is daring or diplomatic? Brilliant or wise? Authoritative or relational?
With apologies to the Obamas and McCains of the world, and even ex-TV Presidents Jed Bartlet and David Palmer, we’ve taken six non-political, fictional characters and examined the qualities that made them effective leaders. Read through the bios, vote in the poll below for which leader you would most likely follow, and comment on your choice.
Captain James T. Kirk, Star Trek
Dashing and daring, Kirk takes on bold initiatives fearlessly. A little over-emotional at times, his rash decision making doesn’t always turn out well (especially if you wear a red shirt), but he ultimately knows how to lead others effectively through his mistakes. He’s intelligent but not an intellectual, has a good sense of humor, and connects to his crew—all admirable leadership qualities. Good with a phaser, the ladies and leveraging the strengths of others to motivate them beyond their usual capacity (especially those warp engines), he’s also a hand-to-hand combat expert, especially when battling space lizards (all important skills when exploring strange, new worlds).
Captain John H. Miller, Saving Private Ryan
This “every man” leader commands respect based on his actions, not his words. Though Captain Miller bestows wisdom when needed, it’s his “human” element that attracts his followers and allows them to connect with him.
His consistent fairness in judgment and good decision-making skills—especially under duress—illustrate his natural leadership abilities. He is also exceptionally brave and committed to pursuing his vision regardless of circumstances or consequences. He also has a knack for developing interesting acronyms.
Cobra Commander, G.I. Joe
Sure, he hides behind a mask, is a monomaniacal megalomaniac, and listening to his scratchy, high-pitched voice is akin to a nail on the chalkboard, but he is a brilliant strategist with great administrative skills. He also casts a clear vision (world domination) to followers, and always commands respect by his authoritative demeanor and refusal to give up no matter how many times opponents get in the way of achieving his goals.
C.C. (as close friends call him) also provides flexibility in the workplace, illustrated by his casual Friday cotton hood instead of the shielded helmet he wears most days.
Miranda Bailey, Grey’s Anatomy
Her subordinates often refer to her as “The Nazi” because of her harsh and blunt demeanor, but there’s much more to Bailey than running a tight ship. The Seattle Grace chief resident is always there for her team when they need help, and she never shifts blame, taking responsibility for her actions and those beneath her.
She usually keeps her emotions in check, does what’s right regardless of the situation, and constantly builds on her leadership abilities. Bailey also shows great agility in adapting to whatever comes her way in the ER, and has a heart for service, evidenced by her opening of a free health clinic.
Mufasa, The Lion King
It’d be weird to follow a lion—an animated talking one at that. But the King of the Pride Lands combined many of the best leadership qualities: great strength, wisdom, bravery, a sense of humor, and a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect those he is leading. Mufasa also knows how to effectively have difficult conversations, whether it’s with a mutinous, outcast brother or a trouble-making son.
He also recognized the importance of building future leaders beneath him so they would be prepared to one day replace him and ensure the preservation of that circle of life thing. And with that powerful voice, who wouldn’t want to line up behind him?
Princess Leia Organa, Star Wars
The feisty Rebel Alliance leader fights for what’s right and is a stabilizing force during uncertain times in the galaxy. Often outspoken, Leia shows extreme loyalty, and is always the last to leave in the face of danger. A believer in “diplomacy first,” she’s not afraid to pick up a blaster and pull the trigger if all else fails. She’s also a keen motivator, whether it’s a speech or peck on the cheek (like she did to her <shudder> brother), to inspire others toward getting the job done. The princess also displays great decision-making skills—whether it’s woman’s intuition or the Force, nobody knows, but it increases her leadership abilities even more.
Some people are natural-born leaders, but for the most part, the skills of a leader are developed over time through training, experience and the investments of other leaders in their lives. The best leaders never stop learning how to lead better and know that if their organizations or teams are going to continue being successful, they must groom and develop other leaders beneath them.
CareerBuilder.com has developed an ongoing series covering leadership development here on The Hiring Site, and we have created a central hub for these posts. Be sure to check out our Leadership Development category page to help you develop your leadership skills and equip others to become leaders as well, but before doing so, make sure to vote in the poll below for an election with no red/blue states, political pundits or long lines.
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- Categories: Leadership Development
So hard to chose. What choices you have provided! What a hoot to think about!
All good options, but two words say it all: Cobra rules!
The Princess of course – girl power!
PRINCESS POWER!!!
There is nothing as beautiful as a leader who is willing to train you for the sake of tomorrow but who also has your back if something goes wrong.
[...] Just over a month ago, we elected a new national leader. Many were happy with the results, while some were disappointed; but I think we can all agree on being thankful that, after two years of campaigning, the process is finally over. Prior to the election, people were both enamored and critical over certain qualities the two unique presidential candidates showed. We won’t ask who you voted for here, but we would like to know what qualities attract you to a particular leader. Is it someone who is daring or diplomatic? Brilliant or wise? Authoritative or relational? Read More… [...]
Something about a women with Principles, you cannot deny her abilities and passion.
I’ll always pick a leader who’s smart and has my back …
Girls make mean leaders about 3-5 days every month – no way!
Feisty rebel gets my vote. I believe that in today’s times, willingness to change, present options that go against the grain, even when unpopular, is very important. Balancing loyalty to the ogranization and mission are important so that change is not made for the sake of it. Imagine if Princess Leia worked for one of the big 3 auto makers….maybe they’d be doing something differently without the threat of distruction and dissolution. And if not, she’d have BLASTED them into oblivion and forged a path for a new company!
“To boldly go where no man has gone before…” and to beg forgiveness instead of asking for permission, when it’s the right thing to do…
The best leader I have ever had the opportunity to work with was intelligent, had a high level of integrity, listened to what others had to say, genuinely cared about those who worked for him, was fair (though demanding), gave his heart to the work, had good life-balance (most of the time), never gave up and didn’t let the set-backs get him down for long, stood up for his people, didn’t compromise standards, quality, values, or ethics, had a great sense of humor and laughed easily and was a very strong, diplomatic, and fun individual. He let me see who he really was, led by example, was loyal, valued me and my contributions and challenged me to be the best I could be. He has become a friend (as has his wife) and my life is much richer for having known and worked with him. We need more people like him in leadership. Wish I could work for him again.
I picked Capt Miller, but honestly don’t remember the guy. Kirk is silly and the rest are so as well. If I had to follow someone it would be House. Smarter than everyone, always right, and a @ss. He also does what he has to make ends meet and that is a quality I would rather have than someone who is working for the establishment.
I have always used what I call the “Capitan Kirk” problem solving method.
The repeating theme seemed to be, an away team on a planet’s surface, the Enterprise in a decaying orbit, Scottie (the engineer) saying we cannot maintain the orbit and we don’t have enough power to beam the team up and save the Enterprise at the same time. Spock (the logical one) says something like “we have to sacrifice the few to save the many”. Captain Kirk then says, “no, there has to be another way”. This was the original emphasis on the common, almost trite saying of today of “thinking outside the box”.
I use this alot with younger managers who are caught up in a too tightly focused opinion or solution. It works some of the time.
is there a way for managers to see what kind of a leader they are??? This would be a great exercise to see which leader category our managers fall into and then give it to their staff
[...] a fun quiz you can take on the Career Builder website where you choose from a list of six fictional leaders [...]