Leadership Iridescence

Written by Mike DeWitt of Spooky Action

Recently, Lisa Haneberg wrote a post about iridescence:

“Iridescence is an optical phenomenon in which hue changes according to the angle from which the surface is viewed. Iridescence is caused by multiple reflections from multi-layered, semi-transparent surfaces. Some wavelength frequencies reflect and some are absorbed and each layer creates a different pattern of reflection and light interference. What you see and experience will be different from that which someone viewing the same scene sees from another location.

What if leaders were iridescent? What would that look like?”

Outstanding leaders are by their very nature iridescent. Like the iridescent animal or plant, the iridescent leader is a many-layered entity, but instead of iridescing (is that a word? Somebody call Al Hague.) through the interaction of light, the object, and your eye, the leader iridesces through the interaction of circumstances, goals, the leader and your perception of what that leader wants you to do.

The opaque (non-iridescent) leader always interacts with everyone in a similar manner. The iridescent leader knows that individuals have different sensory preferences and interaction styles.

The opaque leader states specific goals and gives direction. The iridescent leader sets direction based on input and aspiration, and then allows subordinates to carry out their own plans in their own way – so long as it is harmonious with the overall direction.

We notice the opaque leader’s shadow; we marvel at the way the iridescent leader shines for us.

Got any other characteristics of iridescent leaders to add to my brief list?