Guided by Poetry: When Leadership in Business Takes the Form of Art
A leader is a dealer in hope, and sometimes a poet who sees beyond the immediate into the potential.?
— Inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte's quote.
Leadership often conjures images of strategy meetings, decisive action, and bold vision. But what if there’s a softer, more nuanced approach that’s equally powerful or even more influential? Poetry is often relegated to the realm of art and personal reflection, yet it is profoundly capable of shaping authentic, empathetic, and effective leadership. At its core, poetry is about connection—between words, ideas, and emotions. Leaders who engage with poetry, whether through reading or writing, often find themselves more connected to their own authentic selves and, by extension, to their teams. This connection fosters a leadership style that is deeply rooted in authenticity, empathy, and effective communication, making leadership not just a skill, but an art form.
This article explores how poetry can guide not only the practitioner but also their followers, enhancing leadership qualities and correlating with real-world business successes.
Before jumping into the benefits and practical applications of poetic leadership, it's worth examining evidence where poetry has led to greater success. The link between poetry-infused leadership and business success isn't just anecdotal; it’s supported by performance metrics.
Leaders Who Bridge Poetry and Business
While it’s relatively rare to find poets who have served as CEOs or top executives at world-leading companies, some individuals have successfully bridged the worlds of poetry and business leadership. Here are notable examples:
David Whyte
“Some things cannot be spoken or discovered until we have been stuck, incapacitated, or blown off course for a while. Plain sailing is pleasant, but you are not going to explore many unknown realms that way.” - David W.
?? ?Background: David Whyte is a renowned poet who has also worked extensively as a consultant and advisor for leading companies, including Boeing, Microsoft, and NASA.
?? ?Role: Though not a traditional corporate executive, Whyte's work as a consultant often places him in close collaboration with senior leadership teams. His approach combines poetry and philosophical inquiry to address organizational challenges, leadership development, and team dynamics.
?? ?Impact: Whyte's poetic approach has helped leaders navigate complexity, foster creativity, and develop resilience, particularly noted in his work with Boeing, where he guided leadership through strategic and cultural transitions.
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James Autry
“Work can provide the opportunity for spiritual and personal, as well as financial, growth. If it doesn't, we're wasting far too much of our lives on it.” - James A.
?? ?Background: James Autry is a poet and former Fortune 500 executive who served as President of the Meredith Corporation.
?? ?Role: Autry managed the magazine group of Meredith Corporation, overseeing brands like Better Homes and Gardens. He was known for his humanistic management style, heavily influenced by his poetic sensibilities.
?? ?Impact: Autry emphasized compassion, ethical decision-making, and treating employees with dignity. His books blend poetry and leadership insights, shaping modern management philosophies that prioritize the human element in business.
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Michael Carroll
“Typically, business treats groundlessness or uncertainty as a liability or inconvenience... To be awake at work is to take exactly the opposite viewpoint. Rather than being a liability to be eliminated, groundlessness is acknowledged as the foundation or essential nature of all that we experience—the basic and unavoidable fact of life.” - Michael C.
?? ?Background: Michael Carroll is a poet and author who held senior executive roles at major media companies, including The Walt Disney Company and Simon & Schuster.
?? ?Role: Carroll served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, responsible for leading large teams and managing complex projects.
?? ?Impact: Carroll's leadership style, influenced by mindfulness and poetic reflection, guides business leaders in creating mindful and resilient workplaces.
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These examples show that while there may not be a large number of poets directly holding high-level executive positions, poet-leaders have made substantial impacts through their roles in management, consultancy, and advisory capacities. Their poetic insights have contributed to more humane and reflective approaches to leadership in the business world.
Reading Poetry as a Pathway to the Art of Leadership
While writing poetry can greatly enhance self-leadership and the ability to guide others, reading poetry is equally impactful for business leaders. Engaging with poetry allows leaders to absorb the rhythm, metaphor, and depth of language, which can translate into more effective and inspiring communication.
Here are some examples of corporate leaders who have practiced poetry reading:
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Satya Nadella (Microsoft)
“You’re trying to take something that can be described in many, many sentences and pages of prose, but you can convert it into a couple lines of poetry and you still get the essence, so it’s that compression. The best code is poetry.” - Satya N.
?? ?Poetic Influence: Satya Nadella , the CEO of Microsoft, is known for his empathetic leadership style, which he credits in part to his love of reading and understanding literature, including poetry. While Nadella may not write poetry himself, his leadership speeches often reflect poetic elements like rhythm, metaphor, and a deep understanding of human emotions.
?? ?Business Impact: Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has seen a remarkable transformation, focusing on cloud computing, AI, and inclusivity. Since he took over in 2014, Microsoft’s market value has grown from about $300 billion to over $3 trillion. Nadella’s focus on empathy and inclusivity, elements often explored through poetry, has been central to this success.
Steve Jobs (Apple)
"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: 'If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.' It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." - Steve Jobs.
?? ?Poetic Influence: Steve Jobs was an avid reader of poetry and literature. He believed in the power of storytelling and the human connection behind technology. Jobs’ speeches, particularly his 2005 Stanford commencement address, reflect his poetic approach to communication, using metaphor and personal narrative.
?? ?Business Impact: Jobs’ ability to convey his vision poetically and persuasively was a critical factor in Apple’s resurgence. Under his leadership, Apple introduced revolutionary products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, leading to Apple becoming one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Jack Welch (General Electric)
"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." - Jack W.
?? ?Poetic Influence: Jack Welch , the former CEO of General Electric, was known for his unique communication style, which often included metaphor and storytelling—techniques rooted in poetry. Although not a poet himself, Welch valued the concise and impactful nature of poetic expression in his communications.
?? ?Business Impact: Under Welch's leadership, GE’s market value grew from $12 billion to over $400 billion. His ability to communicate effectively and inspire his workforce was a key element of his success, and many of his principles, such as "boundarylessness" and "speed, simplicity, and self-confidence," resonate with the distilled wisdom of poetic thought.
These examples illustrate that while the leaders themselves may not always write poetry, their engagement with poetic thought, language, and reflection has significantly influenced their leadership style and contributed to their companies' successes. By embracing poetic elements in their leadership, these individuals have not only driven business growth but also cultivated deeper connections with their teams and stakeholders.
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Benefits of Incorporating Poetry into Leadership
Authenticity: Poetry offers a pathway to authenticity in leadership by helping leaders express raw emotions and reflect deeply. For instance, Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, used literature and storytelling to connect authentically with employees, driving the company’s culture and growth.
Empathy Development: Poetry sharpens a leader's empathy—the ability to understand others' perspectives. Satya Nadella’s empathetic leadership style at Microsoft revitalized the company’s culture, leading to significant gains in market value and innovation.
Mastery of Language: Poetry teaches the power of precise, evocative language, crucial for leadership communication. Nadella’s use of metaphor and rhythm in speeches reflects a poetic cadence that resonates deeply with employees and stakeholders alike.
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Practical Steps for Leaders
For leaders looking to incorporate poetry into their approach, consider these steps:
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Conclusion
Leadership guided by poetry is not about grand gestures or abstract artistry. It’s about the practical application of authenticity, empathy, and linguistic precision. As evidenced by the successes of various corporate leaders and their companies, poetry-infused leadership is more than a stylistic choice—it’s a strategic advantage. By embracing the power of poetry, leaders can guide themselves and their teams toward greater authenticity and success, proving that the word, indeed, is mightier than the sword.
To integrate poetry into your leadership, you don't have to be a corporate manager or influencer; start with self-leadership. As you refine your language and connect more deeply with your values, you'll naturally begin influencing those around you.
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