Leadership Styles in Pop Culture: Who's More Inclusive
Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all—just like your favorite TV and movie characters, each leader brings their style to the table. But in today’s world, there’s a growing distinction between traditional leadership, where one person calls all the shots, and inclusive leadership, where everyone gets a voice. So, what better way to break down these styles than by looking at some of the most iconic leaders from pop culture? From the battlefields of Game of Thrones to the awkward halls of The Office, we’re diving into who leads with inclusivity in mind and who’s stuck ruling with an iron fist.
Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones) vs. Jon Snow (Game of Thrones)
Inclusive Leader (Jon Snow): From the moment Jon took the Night’s Watch oath, he showed us his humility and loyalty. Remember when he risked everything to ally with the Wildlings for the greater good? Jon constantly seeks input from his closest advisors—Tormund, Sam, and Tyrion. He’s willing to admit when he’s out of his depth, especially when facing forces much more significant than him, and his genuine care for his people is one of the reasons they rally behind him time and again.
Leader (Daenerys): Daenerys, on the other hand, had us cheering for her from day one as she took down the masters of Slaver’s Bay and freed the oppressed. But as her power grew, so did her ambition. By the time she reaches Westeros, she’s far less inclined to listen to advice—remember her brutal decision to burn King’s Landing? Her focus shifted from being the “Breaker of Chains” to claiming her “rightful” throne, sidelining anyone who dared to question her vision.
Michael Scott (The Office) vs. Jim Halpert (The Office)
Inclusive Leader (Jim Halpert): Jim’s the guy you want as your office buddy and leader. He genuinely cares about the team’s well-being and leads with quiet confidence, often stepping up when Michael’s antics go a little too far. He’s that relatable, encouraging type of leader who’s there to help others succeed, and let’s face it, who doesn’t appreciate his pranks on Dwight?
Leader (Michael Scott): Then there’s Michael—lovable, clueless, and a bit of a walking HR nightmare! While he does care about his team, his decisions are often motivated by a need to be liked. Think of that infamous “Dundies” ceremony or when he grills Ryan about his new job to feel important. Michael’s heart is in the right place, but focusing on being the center of attention leads to chaos more often than productivity.
Professor X (X-Men) vs. Magneto (X-Men)
Inclusive Leader (Professor X): Charles Xavier, or Professor X, is the steady hand guiding the X-Men, a leader with wisdom and compassion. From the beginning, he establishes a safe haven for mutants, creating the X-Mansion as a school where they can master their powers without fear. He encourages each mutant to find its path, like helping Jean embrace her abilities or guiding Storm into leadership. Professor X’s philosophy of peace and respect underpins his leadership style—no mutant left behind!
Leader (Magneto): Then there’s Magneto, the ultimate “gray-area” character. Driven by a past filled with trauma, he’s charismatic and compelling but lets personal vengeance color his choices. His “by any means necessary” approach is evident when he recruits mutants to further his cause against humanity, and his willingness to sacrifice even his allies shows just how far he’ll go. He leads through force and conviction, but ultimately, his control causes fractures in his movement.
Sheriff Rick Grimes (The Walking Dead) vs. Negan (The Walking Dead)
Inclusive Leader (Rick Grimes): When we first meet Rick, he’s just a small-town sheriff waking up to a world he barely recognizes. But as he navigates the apocalypse, Rick is a natural leader, bringing together people from all walks of life. Although he stumbles, his loyalty to his people shines as he wrestles with impossible choices while trying to keep his friends and family safe.
Leader (Negan): Negan... one of the most hated villains on TV! Who can forget what he did to Glenn and Abraham? Leading with fear, intimidation, and his infamous bat, Lucille, Negan’s approach is brutal. Every decision he makes is for his dominance, and there’s no room for dissent—just look at how he “rewards” loyalty with violence.
Olivia Pope vs. President Fitzgerald Grant
Inclusive Leader (Olivia Pope): Olivia Pope leads through collaboration and empowerment (at least in the earlier seasons. I can admit she prioritized power and control in the later seasons. And don’t mention her helping to steal the election initially. That was a group decision...right? Ok, we’re all flawed...) Generally, she often seeks input from her team, trusting them to play to their strengths. She leads her gladiators by valuing their expertise, empowering them to make decisions, and working as a cohesive unit to solve problems.
Leader (President Fitzgerald Grant): On the other hand, President Grant frequently acts as a more traditional leader. While charismatic, he often makes decisions based on his feelings. He struggles to delegate, relying heavily on Olivia or others to fix things rather than collaborating in a meaningful way. His leadership style is more top-down and reactive, particularly when making decisions about his presidency.
Pop culture gives us great examples of leadership styles, from dragons and zombies to mutant powers and political scandals. As we root for (or against) these characters, their leadership choices give us valuable insights into the evolving definition of leadership in the real world. So, next time you binge-watch your favorite show, take a closer look—you might learn a thing or two!
What have you been watching lately, and what leadership styles have you noticed? Let’s talk about it in the comment section. Share this blog with your colleagues and friends!
