The highly anticipated film premiere of Wicked: For Good on November 21st promises to rework the familiar story of The Wizard of Oz,presenting the character of Elphaba in a strikingly diffrent light. The narrative shift, focusing on Elphaba’s journey to challenge the Wizard, is sparking unique conversations beyond entertainment, particularly within the realm of leadership studies.
The Unconventional Hero: Redefining Leadership
Bob Bies, a Professor at the McDonough School of Business, believes that the film provides a valuable, modern lens through which to examine leadership principles. Bies, specializing in organizational behavior and management, incorporates cinematic examples into his “Heroes and Villains: Character and Leadership in a Global Context” seminar. He suggests that the new portrayal of Elphaba challenges conventional notions of heroism and villainy.
“In this reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, the character once labeled the ‘Wicked Witch’ emerges as a genuine hero,” Bies explained. “this prompts us to consider how our understanding of effective and detrimental leaders is inextricably linked to our perceptions of heroes and villains.”
Nature Versus Nurture: The Making of Leaders
A core debate within leadership studies revolves around whether leaders are born or made. Bies suggests that the development of leadership qualities, whether positive or negative, is largely a product of environment and experience.He notes that formative events, and the groups individuals identify with, play a significant role in shaping character.
“The reality is that it’s more nurtured,” bies stated.”People aren’t born evil; life experiences, often traumatic ones, contribute to the development of destructive tendencies. We are all shaped by our upbringing and surroundings.” A 2023 study from the harvard Business Review found that emotional intelligence, developed through experience, is a critical factor in effective leadership.
Empathy and Influence: Why Audiences Connect With Elphaba
The anticipated appeal of Elphaba’s character stems from her demonstrated empathy and commitment to those marginalized within Oz. Unlike traditional villains motivated by self-interest, Elphaba consistently advocates for the vulnerable, such as the monkeys, and strives for a better world.
“Audiences will connect with Elphaba as they see her genuine intentions and actions,” Bies explained. “She consistently prioritizes the well-being of others, particularly those overlooked or mistreated.”
| Traditional Villain | Elphaba (as depicted in ‘Wicked’) |
|---|---|
| Self-serving motives | Altruistic motives |
| Focuses on power and control | Focuses on justice and equality |
| Exploits the weak | Champions the marginalized |
Did You Know? The term “wicked problem” in leadership refers to complex issues with no easy solutions, often requiring unconventional approaches – much like elphaba’s challenge to the Wizard.
Pro Tip: reflect on leaders you admire. What qualities make them effective? Do those qualities align with traditional definitions of heroism, or do they challenge them?
The Enduring Relevance of leadership Lessons
The examination of leadership through the lens of popular culture remains a valuable tool for understanding human behavior in professional and personal contexts. Stories like Wicked provide relatable frameworks for exploring complex themes, helping individuals develop their own leadership capabilities and navigate ethical dilemmas. As the workplace evolves,the need for empathetic,adaptable,and ethically grounded leaders becomes increasingly crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leadership and ‘Wicked’
- what is the core leadership lesson from the film ‘Wicked’? The film suggests that true leadership often involves challenging the status quo and advocating for those who are marginalized.
- Is leadership an innate quality, or can it be developed? While some individuals may possess natural inclinations, leadership skills are largely nurtured through experience, education, and self-awareness.
- How does the portrayal of elphaba challenge traditional views of villains? elphaba’s character demonstrates that appearances can be deceiving, and that individuals frequently enough have complex motivations.
- Can films like ‘Wicked’ truly teach us about leadership? absolutely. By providing compelling narratives and relatable characters, films offer valuable opportunities for reflection and learning.
- What role does empathy play in effective leadership? empathy is crucial for understanding the needs and perspectives of others, which is essential for building trust and fostering collaboration.
What leadership qualities do you admire most in fictional characters? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s continue the conversation!
