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We examine leadership through the lens of the 1989 film "Lean On Me," exploring how different organizational phases require different leadership styles and what makes a leader effective in each one.

• Different organizational phases (startup, turnaround, realignment, acceleration, sustaining success) require different leadership approaches
• Joe Clark's authoritarian style was necessary during crisis but needed evolution as the school improved
• Bold decisions are required in turnaround situations without time for consensus-building
• Leaders must discern when external forces are working to pull them off mission
• Sustaining success requires building culture and systems that outlast any single leader
• The importance of professional relationships that challenge and sharpen leadership
• Community should push you into your moment, not keep you comfortable
• Shared leadership becomes essential as organizations move from crisis to stability
• Leadership must evolve as the organization evolves

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We must learn to recognize how environments change us and evaluate whether our transformations align with our true selves. The journey of Andy in The Devil Wears Prada illustrates the tension between ambition and purpose.

• Ambition has a shadow side that can reveal unexpected aspects of ourselves
• The tradeoffs required when trying to "have it all" necessitate hard choices
• Transformational relationships often come from seeing leaders behind the scenes
• Watch the people you spend the most time with—you'll become more like them
• Middle managers need to stop trying to impress and start developing others
• Adding value comes from knowledge and communication, not just doing more
• Maintain activities that keep you grounded through periods of transformation
• Your values must remain consistent even as you grow and evolve

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Drumline offers powerful leadership lessons through the journey of three key characters navigating conflict and change within a college marching band.

• Dr. Lee represents tradition and structure, struggling to adapt to changing times while maintaining excellence
• Sean demonstrates how middle-management leadership requires overcoming insecurity to develop talent rather than controlling it
• Devin embodies raw talent that must learn discipline and structure to reach its potential
• Talent alone gets you noticed, but consistent development and learning are essential for sustainable success
• True leadership means creating opportunities for others to shine rather than seeking validation from those you lead
• Leadership transitions require both honoring established foundations and making space for innovation
• The principle of "one band, one sound" shows how individual excellence must be balanced with team cohesion
• Conflict can be transformative when it forces leaders to grow and adapt their methods

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