From Second Chances to Stewardship: Leadership Insights from Severus Snape

?? Introduction: The Blue Diamond Leadership Crucible

Every two weeks, the Blue Diamond Leadership newsletter examines an iconic character and puts them into a leadership crucible, burning away everything but exemplar leadership principles.

This week, we explore how a divisive figure from the world of Harry Potter shares several leadership qualities with Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation. While Picard exemplifies transformational leadership, today’s focus—Professor Severus Snape—embodies a very different style: steward leadership.

Whereas Picard is the ideal business leader, inspiring others with vision and empathy, Snape is neither likable nor inspiring. Today’s newsletter, however, isn’t about finding perfection. It’s about uncovering the ability to serve a mission greater than oneself, often at great personal cost.

Albus Dumbledore, one of the most revered figures in the Harry Potter universe, recognized potential in Snape—a potential to contribute meaningfully to a larger mission, to something beyond himself. As in my post on providing second chances, it was Snape who took the first step by approaching Dumbledore. Driven by guilt and a desire for redemption, Snape owned his past mistakes and sought to make a change.

By offering him a second chance and the mentorship to grow, Dumbledore nurtured this willingness into a transformative journey, setting Snape on a path that, when stripped of his flaws, reveals a steward leader at his core.

In previous posts, we explored the framework of second chances: how to give them, what to do once you’ve given one, and how to mentor someone even if their current role isn’t a fit. Dumbledore’s relationship with Snape exemplifies these lessons. Let’s put Snape into our leadership crucible, distilling four key traits: resilience, loyalty, discipline, and high standards.

?? Dumbledore’s Role: A Mentor Who Saw Beyond Mistakes

Snape’s leadership role begins with Dumbledore. After realizing his place was not with the Death Eaters, Snape sought redemption. Knowing Snape’s complex history and temperament, Dumbledore offered him a second chance and a critical role in the fight against Voldemort. This decision carried risks—Snape’s downright abrasive personality and dark past made him a contentious ally. Yet, Dumbledore’s belief in his potential and willingness to mentor him transformed Snape into an indispensable part of the resistance.

Dumbledore also balanced trust with accountability, an essential aspect of effective mentorship. By assigning Snape key tasks, such as protecting Harry and acting as a double agent, Dumbledore reinforced his faith in Snape while holding him to the highest standards of performance. This duality—trust combined with responsibility—ensured Snape’s growth as a leader while keeping the mission on track.

This process reflects key lessons from the second-chance framework:

1. The Power of Second Chances: Recognize that growth is possible, even after serious mistakes. Focus on potential rather than the past.

2. Supporting Growth After the Second Chance: Provide mentorship and hold the person accountable to new standards.

3. Mentorship Beyond the Role: Give people opportunities to show their growth, motivating them to excel.

?? The Leadership Crucible: Burning Away the Flaws

When we strip away Snape’s outward toxicity, four leadership traits emerge:

1. Resilience

Snape endured immense personal and professional challenges: maintaining his double-agent status, navigating constant danger, and living as an outcast. Yet, he remained committed to his mission, persevering in the face of isolation and disdain.

• Example: In The Half-Blood Prince, Snape fulfills Dumbledore’s request to kill him, sacrificing his reputation and risking exposure—all for the greater good.

2. Loyalty

Snape’s loyalty to Dumbledore and his mission never wavered. Despite his personal animosity toward Harry, Snape protected him because it was critical to the larger plan.

• Example: During Harry’s first Quidditch match in The Sorcerer’s Stone, Snape casts a counter-curse to protect Harry from falling off his broom, even as others misinterpret his actions. This moment highlights his mission-first loyalty, as well as his indifference to what others may think of him.

3. Discipline

Snape’s meticulous approach is evident in his work as a Potions Master and a double agent. His annotations in the standard potions textbook demonstrate his precision and his relentless pursuit of improvement.

• Example: The detailed corrections in Snape’s potions textbook when he was a student at Hogwarts himself reveal a disciplined mindset, improving formulas and showcasing a dedication to perfection. Snape embodies the old Lexus slogan, “The relentless pursuit of perfection.”

4. High Standards

Snape’s demanding nature as a teacher reflects his belief in excellence. While his methods were harsh, they pushed students to grow and excel, qualities critical in effective leadership.

• Example: In The Sorcerer’s Stone, Snape’s first Potions class sets the tone for rigor and precision, establishing his high expectations for performance. We also see that Snape held minimum requirements for the more advanced potions classes; showcasing his high expectations and a desire to cultivate the abilities of the truly advanced.

?? Steward Leadership in Focus

Steward leaders prioritize the mission above personal gain, often avoiding the spotlight. Snape embodies this style, sacrificing personal comfort and recognition to serve a greater cause. He carried out Dumbledore’s instructions and protected Harry, even when it meant being misunderstood and ostracized.

Steward leadership is often overshadowed by more glamorous styles like transformational leadership. Yet, it is crucial in organizations where behind-the-scenes work drives success. Steward leaders focus on long-term sustainability, responsibility, and quiet dedication to the mission—just as Snape did.

For businesses today, steward leadership can be the backbone of stability and ethical growth. Leaders who prioritize their organization’s vision over personal ambition inspire trust and ensure the well-being of their teams.

?? Actionable Lessons from Snape

How can leaders apply Snape’s key traits in their roles?

• Resilience: Cultivate mental toughness and persistence in the face of challenges. Recognize that setbacks are part of growth.
• Loyalty: Align your actions with your organization’s mission and values. Let loyalty guide decision-making.
• Discipline: Emphasize preparation and precision. Small improvements can make a big difference.
• High Standards: Challenge yourself and your team to strive for excellence. Provide clear expectations and consistent feedback.

?? Conclusion: Lessons from an Unlikely Leader

Severus Snape reminds us that great leaders don’t need to be perfect—or even well-liked. Leadership is about committing to a mission, enduring challenges, and upholding values that serve the greater good. Snape’s journey demonstrates the power of resilience, loyalty, discipline, and high standards to create profound impact.

For leaders today, the lesson is clear: Don’t underestimate the value of second chances and mentorship. Growth is as much about overcoming flaws as it is about leveraging strengths.

?? Call to Action:

What do you think of Snape’s journey as a leader? Have you experienced giving or receiving a second chance that led to growth? Share your thoughts below!

?? Engagement Prompt:

Which of the four leadership traits—resilience, loyalty, discipline, or high standards—do you think is the most critical for effective leadership today? Let us know in the comments! ??

Ending Credits and Announcements:

• Thank you for joining me on this journey through the stars to uncover timeless leadership principles.
• Stay tuned for our next issue, where we’ll uncover more hidden gems of leadership from popular culture.
• You can manage your subscription preferences through your LinkedIn settings at any time.
• The views expressed in this newsletter are my own and do not reflect those of any organization.

About the Author

I’m EJ Volkman, a leadership devotee and avid media enthusiast. With almost 30 years of experience in team development and goal attainment, I believe that inspiration for effective leadership can come from all corners of the universe—even from an unliked professor deep in the bowels of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!