Leadership as Performance Art

— Originally shared with clients and colleagues on March 28, 2014

As the seasons change, so do our sources of inspiration—if we’re open to them.

A recent coffee conversation with a longtime friend turned into one of those unexpectedly powerful moments. The topic? Performance art as a key differentiator in leadership.

At first, it sounded theatrical—maybe even superficial. But as the discussion unfolded, the idea made more and more sense.

What Is Leadership as Performance Art?

At its core, it’s about knowing when to perform—and when not to.

It’s the nuanced ability to “work the room” with intention, while also having the awareness to step back and listen. This balance is increasingly rare as many leaders rise through ranks that value technical expertise over the subtle skill of situational presence.

We talk a lot about “authenticity” in leadership today. But ironically, the word is so overused it’s become harder to tell who’s actually being authentic—and who’s just performing for show.

True performance art in leadership requires:

• Self-awareness: Knowing who you are and who you’re not

• Contextual understanding: Knowing why you’re in the room

• Balance: Showing up with impact without stealing the spotlight

• Curiosity: Asking the right questions, not delivering long-winded speeches

The Power of Presence and Access

My friend, who’s worked in multiple Fortune 500 environments, shared a powerful example. One CEO stood out—not because of flair or title—but because of their ability to build trust and offer access when it mattered most.

Let’s be clear: Access isn’t the same as always being available. It’s being meaningfully present when it counts. This leader had an original story (not a polished narrative), one that included setbacks and resilience. That authenticity resonated more than any PowerPoint ever could.

So much so, that years later, my friend wrote a thank-you letter to that CEO when his own son graduated high school. Why? Because the job—and the leader—had helped make it possible.

The Quiet Legacy of Great Leaders

In an age where it’s easy to critique leadership, stories like these remind us of what real influence looks like.

Great leaders don’t just “perform”—they connect.
They invest in people. They listen. They show up when it matters.
They leave a legacy not just of results—but of gratitude.

That’s performance art. And that’s leadership worth following.

Thanks for reading, and Happy Spring.
May this message bring value to whatever leadership challenge or opportunity you’re facing today.

— Jeremy C. Garlington
Point of View LLC