What Works: Ego, Leadership, and the Circle of Life

As we were leaving Casino Fandango, after watching “The Lion King,” my friend Cathy turns to me and says, “you should write your column about what happens when people get power hungry.” I laughed because I was already thinking about what she was suggesting. When “Moana” came out, I wrote three columns talking about the themes in that movie. (You can find those columns by typing my name in the search bar).

If you are a leader, you have had, or have witnessed, many of the leadership personas in “The Lion King.”

The Mufasa Persona:
”Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.”

Mufasa is the benevolent alpha. He is the perfect example of servant leadership. Servant leaders lead in the interest of the whole. They understand the balance of the organization and respect it. They don’t sit in their offices and direct from afar. They connect with people and exist to provide opportunity (hunt) and remove barriers (chase the hyenas away).

Ask yourself:
What traits of a servant leader (a Mufasa) do I have? Which could I develop?
What am I doing today that is considering ­­everyone?
Am I making decisions in a bubble or am I basing decisions on data/research?

The Simba Persona:
”Danger? Hah! I walk on the wild side. I laugh in the face of danger.”
Simba is an archetype based on the evolution of ego. “No one will think I’m a cub after I do this!” (Not enough) As a result of his deflated ego, Simba puts himself in dangerous situations. He exhibits bravado versus courage. Bravado is acting without regard to the data/research. Courage is making a choice knowing it is the best choice. Mufasa shows courage. Simba exhibits bravado. Simba evolves because his is open to seeing the data and listening to trusted advisors.

Ask yourself:
Am I doing this because I am trying to “show them?”
How can I be courageous instead of learning on false bravado?
What am I doing today to take the whole picture into account before making major decisions?

The Nala Persona:
”Because it’s your responsibility.”
Nala is the conscientious supporter. She is strong and a leader in her own right because she knows what is best for the whole. She is the person in your group that asks all the right questions. She encourages people to step into their power. However, she also knows when to stop pushing and walk away. She understands the difference between responsibility (natural duty) and obligation (heavy strings). She has an outcome in mind, but she won’t compromise herself to get the outcome she wants. She’s willing to walk away from Simba and let him make his own choices. She’s not codependent.

Ask yourself:
How do I build people up to be their best selves?
Do I have an eye toward responsibility, or do I feel obligated?
Am I willing to walk away and let people make their own choices?

The Scar Persona:
“Long live the king.”
Scar is the perfect example of the ego swing. He swings from not enough, “I will never be king” to too much “Long live the king.” He’s willing to do anything in service to his ego, including engaging in partnerships that will harm the organization. The partnership with the hyenas helps him assert his power (a win for him) but by overhunting and never being full (greed, gluttony) the land is soon as barren as the one the hyenas came from. This is what happens when a leader makes a deal that will look good on the bottom line in the short term, but ultimately is a bad deal in the long term. The leader looks great temporarily. Then reality sets in. The leader still insists the decision was for the best.

Ask yourself:
Are my partnerships in alignment with the health of the organization?
What decisions am I making that might be self-serving or for the glory of the deal?
If I am forming these partnerships and making these decisions, what can I do to assure the good of all?

There are other characters in “The Lion King” that come with their own lessons. Where do you see aspects of yourself? Where do you see others? What leadership lessons did you learn from “The Lion King,” or any other movie? If you need help with your leadership development, I’m local and here to help. The floor is yours, Carson City.

ABOUT DIANE DYE HANSEN
Diane Dye Hansen has more than 20 years of experience in communication and change management gained in the sectors of government, non-profit, healthcare, publishing, advertising, entertainment, and technology. Her Critical Opportunity Theory helps organizations and leaders turn challenge into opportunity through proper leadership and team communication.
She is the president and founder of What Works Consultants, Inc., a consulting firm which helps business leaders communicate when communication is hard. This is done through research, strategic communication planning, change management consulting, human resources recruitment and training. She is a columnist on CarsonNow.org. To meet her and learn how she and her team can help your company, visit What Works Consultants, Inc. online at www.whatworksconsultants.com.