According to a cognitive perspective, leaders affect the beliefs, feelings, and actions of followers through the stories that they tell and the lives that they lead. Such leadership can be achieved directly or indirectly; in the latter case, the leader affects others through the creation of a powerful symbolic object. Among the evocative vehicles available to leaders are well-entrenched institutions and cultural artifacts such as monuments. Over time, the mentalities of individuals may be molded as much by memorable symbolic objects as by persuasive narrators.
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References
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Erikson, E. (1959). Identity and the life cycle. Psychological Issues, 1(1).
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Gardner, H. (with E. Laskin). (1995). Leading minds: An anatomy of leadership. New York: Basic Books.
