I’ve just come back from a trip where we’re doing some training on strategic communications, and I watched a film called “Crisis is our Brand” with Sandra Bullock on the plane. It’s an ok movie, but there is a brilliant moment when Sandra Bullock’s political consultant character crystallizes what the losing candidate has to do. Instead of trying to make the candidate more attractive, change the narrative so that the people will want a strong power candidate.

It got me to thinking about real world:

1. During times of crisis when fear is the driver, we want strong power people. We want people who can execute, make the hard decisions, get things done.  We may not like them, but we respect them.
2. During times of general discontent, we want power people, but we want them to be attractive/likeable. Execution coupled with empathy: no change will happen if people aren’t willing to follow….and trust.
3. During times of “healing“, (post strong power people typically), we look for strong attractive.

What’s needed will depend on the situation. But be the person they need no matter what.