What The Book of Mormon Teaches Us About Leadership Struggle

Recently, I saw the musical satire, The Book of Mormon. While I had already listened to the sound track, and even purchased and read through the script, I found myself surprised by how deeply I was stirred by the live performance. As the layers of artistic brilliance echoed within me, I began to connect with the many takeaways for students of leadership.

Of course there are the obvious lessons, as the two main characters are transformed through their experiences: from follower into leader; and from self-absorbed and egotistical into an inclusive leadership that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of others.

But the deeper implications are even more intriguing. The Book of Mormon is a story about the struggle of institutions, led by imperfect yet well-intentioned individuals, to adapt and remain relevant amidst changing and perplexing circumstances. The story of how these individuals break loose from shackles of the past to nudge their institutions forward is where the real drama unfolds. It is inspiring to watch how leaders depart from past traditions and rules yet remain true to an institution’s core values.

Flipping through the Playbill before the performance, I noticed that the Mormon Church had placed a full-page advertisement. Initially I thought this was somewhat odd, especially considering how much the Mormon Church was mocked by the caustic South Park style humor. But by the end of the show I realized that the musical was really a celebration of the beauty and relevance of the Church rather than a detractor, inviting further dialog and learning. By placing the advertisement, the Mormon Church smiles at itself, acknowledges its weaknesses and flaws, yet at the same time advances its core message.

So often, society’s cultural norms teach us to feel embarrassed by our weaknesses, deny them, or try to hide them. But, just as the characters within the play, the Mormon Church has embraced its struggle, adapted to changing circumstances, and opened the door for growth and further development.

If we all learned how to do this, not only would we become better leaders, but we would also make the world a better place in the process.