There is a history to our visual portrayal of leadership. One image that we retained from is past, is The Fool. No, The Fool is not the clownish figure we attribute to him -- or her, in our image -- these days, but was a figure who once-uopn-a-time had the privilege of standing outside any scietal role. Read about The Fool and see why she is included as part of our visualization of leadership.

The Fool represents a uniquely insightful entry point into the complex arena of leadership. Symbolizing a journey rather than a destination, The Fool embodies a historical archetype often clad in colorful motley attire, standing apart from society’s established customs and expectations. Traditionally, the Fool occupied a privileged position, one outside the usual socioeconomic roles and constraints, thereby gaining immunity from repercussions associated with challenging established norms. She could openly question, criticize, and even ridicule prevailing power structures and societal practices, including those of the most influential and powerful figures. This capacity for incisive commentary stemmed from her independence from conventional expectations and her deliberate detachment from institutional power structures.

The Fool’s profound effectiveness as a commentator on human folly is only possible through her distinct freedom from conformity. Her critical insights are neither clouded by institutional bias nor tethered to dominant ideologies. The journey represented by The Fool, therefore, invites leaders to transcend the restrictive confines of their prescribed professional identities. Leaders must momentarily step outside their explicit role requirements, such as those narrowly defined by business imperatives, to reflect deeply and responsibly on broader moral, ethical, and social implications (Baril, 2016).

Too often, societal norms encourage compartmentalization, leading individuals to behave inconsistently across various domains of life. Such compartmentalization fosters moral inconsistencies, enabling actions within one domain—such as the business environment—that would be unequivocally unacceptable in another, like family life. Indeed, history provides numerous examples of respected family members who committed egregious acts in their professional capacities without confronting the stark ethical contradictions. The Fool challenges this fractured self-concept, urging individuals toward a coherent life narrative rooted in consistent convictions and principles that transcend context. This singular integrity empowers individuals to navigate all social roles without sacrificing authenticity or moral clarity.

The Fool's insistence on wholeness and authenticity counters the pitfalls of myopic leadership by grounding individuals firmly in self-awareness, moral clarity, and unwavering purpose. This journey is inherently dignified and demanding, requiring leaders not only to model responsible behavior but also to inspire and guide others toward meaningful, fulfilling lives. Leaders who embrace The Fool's principles lead from motives aligned with broader organizational goals that simultaneously respect and uphold the welfare of individuals and communities alike. However, such leadership inevitably invites challenges from established forces who perceive authentic, principled leaders as disruptive and threatening agents of change (Kakkar & Sivanathan, 2022).

Paradoxically, many who eagerly seek positions of leadership often lack the essential character and temperament required. Enthusiasm alone is insufficient; many eager aspirants reveal themselves as toxic or self-serving upon achieving positions of authority, making their detrimental influence unmistakably visible to discerning observers who understand the importance of organizational culture. Such self-aggrandizing individuals primarily seek leadership roles for the attendant prestige, status, and power. Yet, working under these conditions often proves psychologically, emotionally, and materially exhausting to those who do not share or endorse their leader’s self-centered aspirations.

Conversely, many highly effective and thoughtful leaders come into their roles reluctantly or with considerable introspection, fully cognizant of the profound responsibilities and burdens genuine leadership entails. These individuals often doubt their readiness or capability, apprehensive about meeting perceived stringent standards of effective leadership. However, the essence of The Fool is misunderstood if leadership evaluation overly emphasizes technical competence at the expense of understanding the personal and ethical dimensions of the leadership journey itself. The Fool's privileged position outside societal roles enables her to act as a reflective mirror, demonstrating that the ultimate measure of leadership success lies in staying true to oneself and genuinely contributing to society's improvement, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Leaders who maintain their integrity and pursue socially valuable ends deserve acknowledgment for embodying authentic, principled leadership. Conversely, if leadership is viewed merely as a strategic stepping stone toward personal enrichment or career advancement, leaders might achieve individual success but ultimately fail to fulfill their responsibilities to others, resulting in widespread disillusionment and disappointment.

Suggested Readings:

Baril, A. (2016). The ethical importance of roles. Journal of Value Inquiry, 50(4), 721-734.

Kakkar, H., & Sivanathan, N. (2022). When Dominant Leaders Go Wrong. Scientific American, 327(4), 72.