Leadership lessons from Twelve Angry Men – lesson 11

Lesson n°11 is, quite possibly my favourite scene, is the from the final scene in the jury room, when juror n°8 hands his “nemesis” his coat.

This scene sums up, at least for me, what leadership is all about; it’s not about criticising people, it’s not about attacking people and it’s not about belittling people. Leadership is about disagreeing with people’s ideas, arguments and points of view – it’s not personal.

This scene also sums up quite nicely the behaviour of juror n°8 through the film, “determined and empathic”, he allows himself to be attacked, ridiculed and criticised but does not attack or criticise the others.

Too often, today, leaders seem to engage in diatribe when what is needed is dialogue.