Harry Davis on Leadership As Performance Art

Great leadership has a lot in common with performance art, according to Harry Davis, Roger L. and Rachel M. Goetz Distinguished Service Professor of Creative Management.

“It’s an art that requires discipline, practice, and the ability to learn from one’s mistakes. Leaders are both actors and directors, and they need constant rehearsals to perfect their performance,” he said. Davis shared insights from his course, “Leadership as Performance Art,” with senior managers at the Global Leadership Series at the GSB’s London Campus November 30.

Davis said many companies frown on fantasy and limit creativity. Those who “talk smart” and play by the rules are rewarded, yet those who “act smart” but deviate from the norm are punished, he said. “But what will increasingly drive competitive advantage is unlocking the creative potential of individuals and organisations.”

In order for leaders to bring about the change, Davis said, they need to become both skilled actors and directors.  Good actors identify a strong objective and a compelling motivation, identifying what it is they want from their audience and why, he said. Then, they must discover how to connect authentically with that audience and inspire them. “For any actor, authenticity is the goal,” Davis said. “Great actors are so connected to the character they are playing they actually become that character.”

As a director, a leader has to build an environment conducive to learning, then engage with their colleagues, withholding judgment and listening actively, Davis said. “This sets the stage where the creative organization can start performing.”

—Claire Prentice