I love the idea of comparing a great leader to a great artist.
You should really answer the below questions – for yourself or your CEO:
“The same attributes that distinguish great from mediocre artists distinguish exceptional leaders from their ordinary counterparts.
…
So let me suggest 12 artistic criteria for judging the art of particular leaders. To appreciate their leadership, we should ask about its …
- Intent. Do they make an express commitment to achieve certain exceptional ends?
- Focus. Do they highlight certain features of the business environment over others to separate the important from the trivial?
- Skill. Do they demonstrate mastery or virtuosity in critical aspects of business; do they possess a foundation for understanding people, organizations, and the way work is accomplished?
- Form. Do they combine their communications, structures, policies, etc. into a unified, coherent whole?
- Representation. Do they convey meanings, in nonobvious and captivating ways, as opposed to giving simple directives and making straightforward declarations of fact?
- Imagination. Do they make surprising and unconventional departures from the ordinary that create a new sense of awareness or understanding?
- Authenticity. Do they present a stylistic distinctiveness that is an honest expression of their individuality and personal beliefs?
- Engagement. Do they offer complex and challenging information that stimulates intellectual effort and imaginative contemplation?
- Pleasure. Do they provide emotionally rewarding experiences that are shared among members of a group, promoting stronger bonds and fostering personal fulfillment?
- Human significance. Do they facilitate personal reflection about who one is, what is most important, what is culturally valuable, and what is possible?
- Context. Do they take actions that are commensurate with institutional practices, customs, demands, and norms, and communicate in a style that is understandable and appropriate?
- Criticism. Do they welcome discourse and evaluation from others regarding how well they have performed and the amount of appreciation they should be afforded?”
Please read the full post at hbr.