To this point, we’ve raised questions about “traditional” conceptions of leadership (achieving victory by exhibiting strength and certainty), and proposed that effective and rewarding leadership is a fluid activity that requires flexibility, goodwill, and the realization that “perfect” solutions or strategies are impossible to achieve. Effective leaders are energized by the challenge of navigating through an imperfect world, and are happy in their roles.

We’ve also pointed out that television, movies, and other popular media provide influential lessons about leadership and leaders. Now, as we move forward, we’ll present a more extensive discussion of characters and situations from popular media, in connection with our four basic premises. These analyses will, we hope, provide concrete touch points for those interested in leadership bliss.