Building an Authentic Leadership Image

Background

For many years the Center has worked with senior-level executives to hone their leadership skills through its Leadership at the Peak program. One component of the program is a videotaped, media-style interview. CCL uses the seven-minute interviews as a way to help executives understand the image they convey. These interviews have also been the basis for research that has shown the connection between a leader’s image and leadership effectiveness.

During the interview, executives are asked to talk about their visions for their organizations, several business issues, an organizational success, and perhaps a failure—and finally, to answer a question about their lives outside work. While the TV interview is the form we chose, the principles ...