Next Generation Leadership - From Hero to Paradox

For more than 50 years, the dominant leadership narrative in corporate life has been the Hero archetype based on the philosophical ideas of Joseph Campbell, the American Professor of Literature. Whilst diametrically different perspectives, such as Servant Leadership and more recently Host Leadership, have challenged the Hero model over the years, nothing has showcased the dark side of this archetype more than the geo-political events of recent years.

I would suggest that the global pandemic has sounded the death knell of the Hero approach in corporate life and that next generation leadership requires our corporate leaders to embrace a radically new approach – one that skilfully navigates paradox and helps to creates a culture of calm for employees in seems an ever more chaotic world.