Igniting the creative spark in leadership: lessons from Bonfire Night
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Coaching and training – the lot.
I see no reason
Why transforming leaders
Should ever be forgot.
The grammar at the end of that little ditty will haunt me more than Guy Fawkes’ creeping suspicion that he’d left his matches on the hall table before venturing out into the gloom of 17th-century London.
However, sometimes one must bend history and language conventions to one’s will to cynically leverage a key moment in the annual calendar and make a point about modern workplace leadership.
I mean, nothing says “inspiring leadership” quite like a group of conspirators plotting to overthrow the government, right?
While the Gunpowder Plotters didn’t exactly win any “Leader of the Year” awards (more like the “Worst Exit Strategy of All Time”), there are some fiery lessons we can extract—if only to avoid, well, getting executed by your colleagues.
So, grab a toffee apple, get cosy by the bonfire, and let’s ignite some passion and creativity in leadership—sans treason, of course!
Have a Clear Vision (And Maybe Don’t Blow It Up)
Guy Fawkes and his band of merry anarchists had one goal: blow up Parliament and change the face of England forever. While we’re not advocating for that level of disruption in your organisation, a strong vision is the spark that gets people fired up.
Your takeaway: Whether you’re launching a new project or trying to rally your team around a common goal, a clear vision is crucial. But unlike the Gunpowder Plot, your vision should aim to build something up—like a better workplace culture, or a killer quarterly performance—rather than, you know, tear it all down.
Light the Fire of Passion (Without Letting It Fizzle Out)
The plotters were certainly passionate—but passion without focus can lead to chaos (or, in their case, a swift downfall). A good leader needs to fuel that enthusiasm while keeping it under control—like a well-tended bonfire.
Your takeaway: Fan the flames of passion by giving your team the tools they need to succeed, but don’t let things get out of hand. Provide support, set boundaries, and, most importantly, keep a bucket of water (or a contingency plan) handy for when things get a little too heated.
Bring Creativity, But Avoid Reckless Rebellion
While the Gunpowder Plot wasn’t short on creativity (secret tunnels, explosive plans—talk about thinking outside the box!), it’s safe to say they were missing a few key leadership qualities. Like accountability. And maybe basic common sense.
Your takeaway: Creativity is the fireworks display of leadership—it grabs attention and sparks excitement. But it needs direction. Encourage creative problem-solving and fresh ideas in your team, but make sure there’s a solid plan in place. After all, nobody wants their creative ideas to blow up in their face (pun very much intended).
Collaborate, Don’t Conspire
The plotters were big on collaboration, but unfortunately, their version involved a lot of secrets and a spectacular lack of foresight. If only they’d opted for open communication instead of closed-off plotting sessions.
Your takeaway: Good leadership requires collaboration, but also transparency. Open up dialogue with your team, involve them in decision-making processes, and be upfront about the challenges you’re facing. After all, it’s much easier to solve problems together than it is to sneak around whispering about how to overthrow the boss!
Learn From Failure (Preferably Without the Treason Charge)
In the end, the Gunpowder Plot was an epic failure—and not the kind that earns you a quick recovery and a “let’s do better next quarter” pep talk. But failure, when it doesn’t end in execution, can be one of the best teachers in leadership.
Your takeaway: Don’t be afraid to fail. Whether it’s a new initiative that doesn’t quite land or a risk that doesn’t pay off, learn from it. Use failure as fuel to reignite your efforts. If the Gunpowder Plot teaches us anything, it’s that a well-timed lesson can be the difference between a spark of success and a total fizzle.
So, this Bonfire Night, as you watch the fireworks explode (in a controlled and safe manner), think about how you can light the fire of passion and creativity in your leadership. Whether it’s through bold new ideas or inspiring your team to collaborate more effectively, remember: success is all about the right balance of enthusiasm, vision, and a dash of daring.
Just maybe steer clear of any actual gunpowder. Happy Bonfire Night!