Leader as Artist

Abstract

Executive Summary The metaphor of leader as artist is developed, with the suggestion that the use of the metaphor is instructive as similarities in leadership behavior and the way artists go about their work are examined. Examples from a corporation and foundation are provided to reinforce the metaphor. While the kinds of thought processes and actions discussed are in most cases not a part of conscious planning of the artist or leader — they are more intuitive and spontaneous — the comparison can be useful when the work of the two is analyzed. Finally, common threads that support the metaphor are provided