Why do we often see flawed leadership mirrored in popular dramas? It’s because life frequently imitates art, and many real-life leaders unknowingly take cues from fictional narratives. While the film industry thrives on drama, effective leadership typically avoids it, yet this tendency plays out in workplaces across the nation.
As a fan of “Homeland,” the Showtime series featuring Alex Brooks as CIA agent Sarah Jennings, I find it an apt example. The show has improved since the departure of its previous lead character, but it still falls into the trap of having Sarah handle every situation herself. Need someone to infiltrate a dangerous location? Sarah’s on it. Need to manipulate her superiors for a dream role? She’ll take care of that too. But mentoring her team and guiding them toward shared objectives? Not so much.
Sarah’s battle with anxiety adds complexity to the series, but we can apply this critique to various genres, from detective shows to comedies. In narratives where a leader exists, the focus often revolves around them—an approach that runs counter to effective leadership in reality. Would you truly want to follow a leader exhibiting these characteristics?
- Inability to Delegate
Successful leaders know the importance of delegation. This trust is crucial for team success. Yet, in Hollywood, the hero often takes on every task themselves, and Sarah exemplifies this. She has one reliable colleague, and when that person fails to handle a situation, Sarah jumps in to take over. - Poor Communication
The words of a leader are vital; if they aren’t communicating well, their team will likely struggle. A disjointed team lacking a clear vision or understanding of the plan is bound to fall short. In “Homeland,” Sarah often operates in isolation, as seen when she feigns illness to execute a covert mission without informing her team. - Lack of Transparency
A great leader fosters transparency, showing respect and allowing their team to thrive. Conversely, less confident leaders hoard information, fearing that sharing will diminish their authority. Many plots revolve around this dynamic, with characters hiding crucial information only to reveal it dramatically later. Sarah is notorious for keeping secrets from her colleagues. - Shortsighted Thinking
Strategic planning involves setting clear objectives and working backwards to determine the necessary steps. It’s straightforward in theory but challenging in practice. Sarah frequently reacts impulsively to new information, declaring, “This changes everything,” and then veering off course. - Distrust of Others
If you can’t trust your team, perhaps you shouldn’t be collaborating with them. While “Homeland” centers on espionage, Sarah’s distrust extends to her CIA colleagues. Upon her arrival in the field, she forms a new team without including her official colleagues, leading to a breakdown in communication. - Absence of Work-Life Balance
A significant number of people prioritize family as their main source of fulfillment. Although some narratives reflect this, many portray the personal lives of heroes as mere distractions. Sarah’s main relationship has been tumultuous, and her commitment to her work often overshadows her family responsibilities.
In short, when Sarah reaches out in a frantic plea for assistance in a crisis, it’s probably a decision fraught with complications. However, it certainly makes for engaging television.
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Summary:
In “Homeland,” the character Sarah Jennings embodies a form of leadership that, while dramatic and captivating, showcases traits that are counterproductive in real-life leadership scenarios. These include a lack of delegation, poor communication, a distrustful attitude, shortsightedness, and an imbalance between work and personal life.