Drama, drama, drama...
What place does drama have in leadership? A prominent one I would say. As the title of this blog implies, I believe leadership should be inspiring. To inspire means moving emotions. Even if I am talking about an intellectual development, the "inspiration" piece is a feeling - the faster heart beat, the rush of adreneline, the surge of dopamine - I am happy and excited - eager.
When Daniel Goleman talks about emotional intellegence for leaders he includes not only the abillity to read people's emotions, but the ability to lead people's emotions. It is this quality that sets great leaders apart.
President Obama is under fire currently for allowing his emotional connection to the people to wane. In an op-ed in the Washington Post today, Michael Gerson attacks Obama for lackluster speeches that fail to connect to the American people. "His (Obama's) reactions to the Fort Hood murders and the Christmas Day attack were oddly disconnected from the emotions of the country he represents. His speech at Fort Hood was strong on paper but delivered with all the passion of remarks to the Chamber of Commerce."
We just finished reading the Torah portions of the story of Joseph and his brothers and we see what an important role drama plays in the development of people. Joseph carefully orchestrates dramatic events - stealing, jail, travel back and forth - in order to culminate in an emotional revelation and reunion with his family. How different would the story read if the brothers had come to Egypt and Joseph simply said "Hi, nice to see you again!" Instead Joseph creates the pinnacle moment with Benjamin's life hanging in the balance and to use the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice line, Joseph says: "Can't you recognize my face? It is hard to see? The brother who you thought was dead - your brother - is me." (gives me chills just writing it)
In order for people to change course, there must be an emotional connection. Sometimes the world supplies its own drama. Sometimes leaders need to create the drama. Emotion is not whimpy. As Gerson puts it, Presidents need not only mental toughness but empathy - "The ability to wear the nation's emotions on his sleeve." In order to inspire you need to put yourself in the emotional space of those you wish to follow you. Gerson concludes "A President lacking in drama may also be lacking in inspiration."
There's plenty of drama around - as a leader - use it.
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