It’s not often you’ll find me quoting Will Smith from his golden days in the nineties, but his Men in Black one-liner sums up perfectly the topic I’d like to explore in this blog. “You know what the difference is between you and me? I make this look good.” – Will Smith, Men in Black. However, in the film, his character is cocky, arrogant, young, and charismatic. As a final note, Will, ever the showman, adds his stylish stamp to the monochromatic Men in Black uniform. He does indeed make it look good. In this blog, I will ask: how important is showmanship in a leader? Answering it through analysis of political leaders and celebrities, highlighting the good and the bad, and sharing takeaways for those wishing to improve their personal leadership skills.
This will incorporate:
- Trump – the ultimate showman?
- What is showmanship, and how important is showmanship in a leader?
- Three elements of showmanship
- Who shows great showmanship?
- Conclusion
- The final curtain
TRUMP – THE ULTIMATE SHOWMAN?
So, how important is showmanship in a leader? The idea for the subject came to me a month or so ago. I watched Trump and the then-Democratic candidate Jo Biden go head-to-head in the American presidential election. It occurred to me that in American politics, presentation is everything.
Nevertheless, neither man wowed the crowds that night. Some serious questions arose about their suitability to lead the free world. But what I did take away from this and the events that followed was how much of a factor showmanship can be for a leader.
Trump is of course the ultimate showman. Once a TV star, always a TV star.
Look back to when he tested positive for Covid in his previous presidency. Not unlike a multi-million-dollar film, the production values were high; he emerged masked and defiant from the helicopter. The very picture of determination in the face of adversity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLMpaVR4Grw
Even through an assassination attempt, he arose, blood-streaked, with a clenched fist in the air. The campaign shot of the century captured forever.
For the British palate, it’s all a bit much. It’s hard to imagine Kier Starmer or Rishi Sunak starring in their own overstated melodrama. Yet there is a lot to be said for a charismatic leader.
Nevertheless, love him or hate him, you can’t deny that Boris Johnson had the x factor. Churchill. Thatcher. Blair. No matter which direction you lean, all of them had that something extra.
Brown. May. Major. Truss. None of them did. None lasted long.
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WHAT IS SHOWMANSHIP AND HOW IMPORTANT IS SHOWMANSHIP IN A LEADER?
Showmanship as a leader involves communicating compellingly and engagingly. It includes performance, styling, entertainment, and storytelling, plus natural charisma and likeability.
Confidence, enthusiasm, and dynamism. Leaders with showmanship have a strong stage presence. They appear larger than life. As a result, they make things look good.
Like an actor or performer, a leader with showmanship can captivate an audience and motivate and inspire a following beyond simply agreeing with their views or ideology. That creates an emotional connection. Likeability inspires loyalty and longevity.
On the downside, there’s a fine line between effective showmanship and over-the-top theatrics. Leaders must ensure their performance enhances their message rather than overshadows it.
Playing to your audience matters.
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THREE ELEMENTS OF SHOWMANSHIP
If you’re trying to mimic a leader with showmanship, a few key elements can help you along the way.
Style – the image you project is a crucial element of showmanship. Clothing is important. Accessories and the little details matter, too. What you wear and how you hold yourself combine to create the picture you want to project.  I’ve sealed many deals over the appreciation of a Prada handbag.
Confidence – you may think confidence is down to nature, not nurture, but it is something you can learn. The first step is a cliché, ‘fake it before you make it’. Learning to act confident often leads to the real thing.
And remember – confidence doesn’t have to be loud, brash and over the top. Some of the most charismatic leaders are quietly confident.
Performance – showmanship is all in the storytelling, not just what you say but how you say it. Dramatic pauses, colourful language, suspense, drama. Leave your guests hanging on your every word.
An acquaintance of mine attended amateur dramatics to improve their presentation skills, and I have to say it worked wonders. Techniques learned in acting class can directly translate to your role as a leader.
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WHO SHOWS GREAT SHOWMANSHIP?
Showmanship done right can catapult a person to unbridled success. So when I ask just how important is showmanship in a leader, the answer is HUGE! Here are just a few people that I believe do showmanship the right way.
Beyoncé
Electrifying stage presence. Meticulously crafted performances. High energy and emotional connection. Beyoncé is one of the most compelling performers in the music industry. Interestingly, she channels an entirely different character, Sasha Fierce, when on stage. A neat trick for anyone who feels uncomfortable or believes themselves to be an unlikely showman.
Taylor Swift
Well, we couldn’t create a blog on showmanship and not include Taylor Swift after her record-breaking tour swept the globe and even contributed to higher inflation levels here in the UK. Her ability to connect with fans through music and storytelling is unparalleled. She combines emotional depth and sheer spectacle, making her one of the most engaging performers in the industry.
Anton Du Beke
The ultimate showman, yet his persona is curated gently. Anton has a natural charm and uses humour to forge relationships. He demonstrates versatility and adaptability, both as a dancer and judge.
Megamind
Hear me out.
Fictional character he may be, but Megamind can craft a performance like no other. He exemplifies showmanship with flamboyant style and theatrical flair. And he knows how to make an entrance. Despite his villainous intentions, his charisma and humour make him an endearing character with likeability.
Kamala Harris
While quieter and less theatrical than her republican opposition, Kamala has a dynamic communication style and charismatic presence. She brings in humour with a notable twinkle in her eye.
As a politician, her speeches often blend passion and relatability, which helps her connect deeply with audiences. For example, her storytelling and personal anecdotes show empathy and compassion.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, how important is showmanship in a leader – very. Showmanship as a leader is a powerful tool that, when used effectively and ethically, can enhance the ability to inspire and motivate. It blends communication skills, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and adaptability.
Leaders who master showmanship can create a positive and lasting impact on their organisation and its members.
THE FINAL CURTAIN
Confidence and self-belief can indeed be learned. If you need more help, this book is a great place to start: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Self-Confidence-Unstoppable-Irresistible-Unafraid/dp/1118435915
In search of light relief and inspiration? There is a lot to be learned from Hugh Jackman’s character in the beloved film that encompasses the spirit of the true showman: The Greatest Showman
