Leadership Lessons from A Voyager
A truth in my home is this – if Moana is on television, then my heart requires me to stop and watch it. I used to be insecure about my love of animated movies but moving past age 40 broke down some of my internal hesitancy, including my confidence in what I like. Moana is an animated Disney movie about a small child named Moana who grows into a leader for her people.
This movie was released in 2016. Unless you also have a love for animated movies or small children in your life that demanded to see Moana, you may have missed it. However, Moana has beautiful and relevant lessons in leadership for us. Here’s what I learned (spoilers ahead).
· One leadership style does not fit every situation. We certainly see and read books about the “best” leadership style, yet every situation is different and necessitates a deep exploration into what the community needs. In Moana, we learn about the leadership approaches of the island people adjusting based on the current needs of the economy. Moana’s dad had a builder approach, where he focused on stability for the people. Moana learns that her ancestors were voyagers that concentrated on expansion. Then Moana becomes a transitional leader for her people by moving them into a new phase of life. Each of these styles require vulnerability.
· Turn up your intuition. Intuition gets a bad rap since it is something we can’t always explain. Intuitive “hunches” and “gut feelings” are not always welcome in business, especially if you are woman. In my past roles, I tended to turn down my intuition in business decisions and turn up my reliance on data and business experience. Moana has the same experience where she listens to her leadership’s advice to stop listening to her intuition of exploration. While data and experience are important, each person brings a unique perspective to situations. Building self-awareness includes tapping into our intuitive spaces and using them to make effective decisions.
· You will always need help. As a raging individualist at times, it pains me to say that I need help ALL the time. I am not perfect. Plus, memorable leadership is a collective gathering of shared roles and experiences. Moana finds help with her grandmother who nurtures Moana’s intuition. Moana also finds support from a parent and her pet pig. While on her adventure, Moana finds help from the ocean and another pet, Heihei. Sometimes, people will balk at our needs and refuse to help due to their own personal issues (Ex. Maui). But we still need to continue asking for it.
· Be willing to try and fail. I once heard that 90% of writers fail in getting a book published. I’m not sure of the data validity here, especially in the age of self-publishing, but the statistic was couched in a big lesson. Most people fail at their dreams, and that’s normal. Failing is part of life, not something to be avoided. Moana goes on an epic and incredibly dangerous adventure to save her people. She conquers an ocean that was taught as unwieldy. She learns how to sail, and she even makes friends in unexpected places. Moana never gives up. We need to learn how to fail and fail well. Otherwise, we will not take the risks needed for exponential growth.
· Institutional memory has many purposes. Have you ever heard these sayings when starting a new project? “We tried that before, but it didn’t work.” “That sounds like a great idea, but that’s not a right fit with our culture.” “Trust me – I’ve been here long enough to know that won’t work.” These phrases can be offered as help, but they are part of the institutional memory, which is not always connected to the current business reality. Look at Moana’s dad as an example here. He tries to convince her about the dangers of ocean exploration, but his deeper message is driven by his personal trauma and not the current business reality. However, institutional memory can also breathe life into difficult situations. Moana’s grandmother shares history with Moana that reflects a more integrated narrative of her people. Institutional memory is critical in business, but we need to use it wisely.
Your heart may not require you to stop for animated movies, yet I recommend stopping for Moana next time. Beyond the leadership lessons, you can enjoy the singing of Christopher Jackson and Lin-Manuel Miranda from the original Hamilton cast. The entire movie dives into themes of exploration and expansion, two key elements of the leadership voyage. While learning about leadership, you can also nurture your inner child for a while. You’re welcome.
#moana #leadershiplessons