The Power of Performative Leadership

Charismatic leaders have a unique ability to captivate and inspire those around them, often leaving a lasting impact on their colleagues and organisations. We all find it reassuring to have someone leading who can communicate a compelling vision, has emotional intelligence and personal magnetism because they create environments where people feel motivated, valued, and united in their efforts.

While some people may have natural traits that lend themselves to leadership, (such as confidence, charisma, or communication skills), leadership is largely a set of skills and behaviours that can be developed over time through experience, education, and intentional practice.

Performative leadership, when approached with intention and balance, can be a powerful tool for inspiring teams, influencing stakeholders, and driving organisational success. This leadership style emphasises the importance of visible leadership actions and behaviours, which can play a crucial role in setting the tone, energizing a team, and rallying support around key initiatives.

Creating a Strong Presence:

Performative leaders understand the importance of visibility. By being present in key moments—whether through speeches, meetings, or public engagements—they ensure that their leadership is felt throughout the organization. This visible presence can boost morale and signal that the leader is actively engaged and invested in the team’s success.

Inspiring Confidence and Motivation:

Through their actions and words, performative leaders can inspire confidence and motivate their teams. By projecting confidence, decisiveness, and vision, they can energize employees and create a sense of momentum and purpose within the organization.

Effective Communication:

Performative leaders are often skilled communicators who can articulate a compelling vision and rally others around it. Their ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is a key asset in aligning the team with organizational goals and fostering a shared sense of purpose.

Symbolic Leadership:

Engaging in symbolic actions—such as leading by example, making public commitments, or recognizing team achievements can have a powerful impact on organisational culture. These actions, while sometimes more symbolic than substantive, can reinforce values, celebrate successes, and build a strong, cohesive team identity.

Driving Momentum:

By focusing on visible, high-impact initiatives, performative leaders can create a sense of urgency and momentum. These leaders excel at setting ambitious goals and galvanizing their teams to achieve them, often turning ideas into action quickly.

Building Organisational Reputation:

Performative leadership can also enhance the organisation’s reputation. By being a visible, proactive leader, one can project an image of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation, which can be attractive to clients, partners, and potential hires.

But if these traits aren’t natural, what can you do to enhance or learn the various skills that are crucial for effective leadership?

• You can be taught how to use your voice effectively—projecting with clarity, varying tone, and maintaining engagement. Leaders benefit from these skills when addressing teams, presenting ideas, or speaking publicly.
• You can be taught to be aware of your body language to better convey confidence, openness, and empathy, which are crucial for building trust and rapport.
• You can be trained to tap into a wide range of emotions and understand what drives them. This skill translates into emotional intelligence for leaders, helping you recognize and manage their own emotions and better understand and respond to the emotions of others.
• Effective leadership often requires stepping into another person’s shoes to foster empathy. Leaders with empathy are more effective in managing teams, resolving conflicts, and creating supportive environments.
• You can be taught how to develop a strong presence that commands attention. Leaders with presence can more easily inspire and influence others, as they exude confidence and credibility.
• You can be taught how to overcome anxiety related to public speaking or leading in high-pressure situations.
• Authentic leaders build trust by being consistent and transparent - appearing genuine, and relatable strengthens credibility.

Leaders need to engage and motivate their teams, much like actors captivate their audience. Acting skills help leaders craft messages that not only inform but also inspire action and commitment.

Performative leadership, when done well, can be a catalyst for positive change and success. By mastering the art of visible, impactful leadership actions, leaders can inspire their teams, drive momentum, and build a strong organisational culture. When balanced with authenticity and substance, performative leadership becomes not just an act, but a powerful tool for achieving lasting success.

Whether you're seeking advice, tools, or strategies, we can provide guidance on various aspects of confident leadership, including:

• Developing Self-Awareness: Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and values.
• Building Effective Communication Skills: Improving how you express ideas and listen to others.
• Decision-Making: Making confident and well-informed decisions under pressure.
• Handling Feedback and Criticism: Using feedback constructively to grow.
• Inspiring and Motivating Others: Learning how to inspire confidence and drive in your team.
• Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Managing self-doubt and embracing your role as a leader.