The Theatre of Leadership: Why Business Professionals Should Embrace Their Inner Performer

The house lights dim. An expectant hush falls over the audience. There’s a single spotlight. It’s yours. It’s time for you to claim it. It’s time to bring out your inner performer.

This challenge scenario plays out every day in our workplaces. In conversations, meetings, on podiums, and on screens, as leaders we are often centre stage in the 'theatre of leadership' under the watchful eyes of our teams, stakeholders, and the public. Every action we take, every word we speak, and every gesture we make is closely observed and evaluated.

I believe it’s essential that leaders approach their role with the same level of care, skill and creativity as an A-class stage performer.

In leadership, we are the stars of our own show, just like actors on a stage. And just like them, we must use every tool at our disposal to captivate and convince our audience.  We need to adapt to different scenes and audiences while staying true to our character. We need to convey confidence, positivity, and authority through our body language, and inspire through a clear, confident, and expressive voice. Our emotions must be genuine, empathetic, and relatable to connect with others.

By embracing the performative aspects of leadership, we can create a more impactful and fulfilling leadership experience and stand a far better chance of getting results that exceed our expectations.

So, what can you do to embrace the ‘theatre’ of leadership and free your inner performer? Here are some suggestions:
1.    Observe yourself: Take time to reflect on your own leadership style and how you present yourself to others.  What is your current approach to body language, vocal delivery, and emotional expression in your leadership role? How can you improve in these areas?
2.    Study the greats: Study the speeches and performances of great leaders and actors. What techniques do they use to captivate their audience? How can you incorporate these techniques into your own leadership style?
3.    Practice, practice, practice: Like any performance, the theatre of leadership requires practice and refinement. So, find opportunities to practice your leadership communication skills and seek feedback from those around you.
4.    Understand and engage your audience: How do you currently engage and connect with your team and stakeholders? Are there new techniques or strategies you can implement to enhance your powers of persuasion or storytelling to make greater impact?

It's time to wow your audience. Find a way to learn the techniques required to do it. #business #leadership #communication #voice