
Leading Ideas Talks “Leadership as a Liberal Art” featuring Michael Lamb
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Sep 16, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Michael Lamb, FM Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character, shares insights from his work on The Arts of Leading. He argues that leadership is fundamentally a liberal art, drawing on lessons from the performing arts to enhance presence and listening. Lamb highlights overlooked leaders, including enslaved individuals and women whose contributions often go unrecognized. He also delves into character-driven leadership through the lens of biblical figures like Moses, emphasizing the importance of virtues and hope in guiding change.
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Freedom At The Heart Of Leadership
- The Latin root of 'liberal arts' means practices that make us free and virtuous citizens.
- Viewing leadership as a liberal art ties leading to promoting freedom and resisting domination.
What Acting And Conducting Reveal
- Performing arts like acting reveal how leaders 'show up' and shape identity in roles they perform.
- Conducting workshops teach leaders to center others' needs rather than theatrical self-display.
Ask What The Group Needs First
- Before acting, ask the group what they need instead of assuming directions will help.
- Centering those being led prevents chaos and elevates their voices toward a common good.

