Compose and Wait: What Great Leaders Can Learn from Great Photographers (Gregersen, 2016)

Welcome to Revise and Resubmit, the podcast where research meets real life, and today’s episode is a true visual feast for the mind. We’re diving into "What Great Leaders Can Learn from Great Photographers" by the acclaimed Hal Gregersen. Gregersen isn’t just a Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan; he’s a Thinkers50-ranked management guru known for helping leaders navigate rapid change. With bestsellers like Questions Are the Answer and The Innovator’s DNA, he’s shaped the way innovators think—and now he’s bringing a fresh lens to leadership. In this article from the prestigious Harvard Business Review, Gregersen takes us on a journey where the art of photography meets the science of leadership. Just as great photographers frame the perfect shot by observing light, timing, and composition, leaders must adjust their perspective and seize the right moments. The parallels are profound: Patience. Adaptability. Creativity. These traits aren’t just the tools of the artist; they’re the building blocks of effective leadership. Gregersen argues that leaders, like photographers, must see the world not only as it is, but as it could be—an essential skill for inspiring teams and fostering innovation. Imagine the possibilities if leaders thought more like artists, framing challenges in new ways and capturing fleeting opportunities before they slip away. We thank Hal Gregersen and Harvard Business Publishing for making this insightful work open access and available to all. And let’s not forget—Harvard Business Review belongs to the prestigious FT50 list, cementing its place among the world’s top business journals. So here’s a thought to leave you with: If leadership is an art, what picture are you framing for the future? Reference Gregersen, H. (2016, October 4). What Great Leaders Can Learn from Great Photographers. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/10/what-great-leaders-can-learn-from-great-photographers