There are various schools of thought that categorize leadership styles from one end of the spectrum to the other. Some like to look at ‘leadership theories’ that have focused on what qualities have been distinguished between leaders and their followers. For the sake of keeping things simple, I’m going to throw all that out of the window to explain why I believe Craig Ferguson – late-night TV host and self-described “vulgar lounge entertainer” – is carving out an interesting and funny path on how to influence people.
How else could you explain how hand puppets, fake moustaches and wigs work while jiving around to Duran Duran’s ‘White Lines’…?
Now, I’m not going to go on about how remarkable Mr. Ferguson’s leadership style is, nor am I about to attempt to explain how he manages his people. Because…quite frankly, I’m not entirely sure. The fact that Mr. Ferguson can compel his staff to wear costumes and lip-synch their way through Britney Spears or They Might Be Giants songs not only makes me giddy with glee, it astounds me.
How does Mr. Ferguson do this?
- he leads by example – in the Hey, I Love You skit (much like just about every other intro to each Late Late Show), Mr. Ferguson is the first one to come out to get things started. He sets the tone, inviting the audience to take part in his brand of goofiness.
- he’s authentic – never shying away from sharing anecdotes (and sometimes embarrassing stories) about his battles with alcohol and drug abuse, Mr. Ferguson creates an open space where it’s perfectly fine to share some vulnerability…even influencing an appearance from someone like Betty White to share her experiences as a ‘girl scout.’
- he doesn’t take himself too seriously – from the time Mr. Ferguson was ‘campaigning’ for honorary citizenships from various states across the U.S. to curmudgeonly announcing himself as the new king of late night TV, he encourages his team to be irreverent and fun.
Other late night TV hosts do similar things, sure…but none of em’ really revel in their silliness in such a way that it keeps the same crew coming back as often…to be nonsensical. Not so much to be ‘funny’…but dippy, trippy and dizzy. The fact of the matter is: it doesn’t have to make sense to be right.
As a manger or co-worker, what have you done to inspire real innovation from your team? When was the last time a ‘crazy idea’ fueled something genuinely memorable for your clients? What could you do today to tap into your inner ‘Craig Ferguson’…?
Narciso, I’ll admit it, I’ve never seen Craig’s late-night show, but I am definitely intrigued by the bit of recommendation as you’ve taken the opportunity to read between the lines for us. This is a great way to bring attention to important lessons. I especially appreciate the notion of never taking yourself too seriously. It is ok to get down to business, but you should be down to Earth with your staff and still be a good leader for your team.
Richie, you should definitely check out Craig’s show. I don’t often get to catch because he’s on so late, but I think he’s the best of the late night hosts.
Narciso, this was a great post!
@cindilou19
Narciso,
I can see a book in your future, “Leadership Lessons of Late Night Comics”. Let the research begin. -Don B @donbart
Nice post and interesting take. My guess is that Craig is an influential leader because he seems more than willing to get his hands dirty (and make fun of himself) too. If he was just standing there while others were made the fool, then inspiring action might be harder to come by, but he gets down and does it too. A good reminder for all of us. If you’re not willing to get your hands dirty with your staff – they might not want to get their hands dirty either.
I like that third point. Not taking yourself too seriously. Everyone needs to loosen up once in a while and a manager that can give, or take a joke is a great moral booster. I love that it’s becoming okay to have fun in business.
David
@DavidSpinks
@Scribnia
Couldn’t agree more. I recently also have become a Ferguson fan, even though it messes me up in the morning.
His “what you see is what you get” style does come through in a big way.
Not that I think more CEO’s should communicate with hand puppets, but they would be well served to use Ferguson’s authentic style in their dealings with employees, media and the public.
@jonnew
What a fun way to look at leadership styles! I agree with your three points on how Mr. Ferguson leads his team, but I do not think that any of that would be possible without enthusiasm or a shared vision. A team can be silly and authentic, but that will be completely counterproductive if they do not know where they are headed.
It’s also important that the team buys into the big idea of the leader (in this case hand puppets and Duran Duran) and have trust that the leader will get them to where they want to go. As you mentioned, Mr. Ferguson leads by example, and to me that makes him more relatable and trustworthy to the rest of his team. Thanks for the great insight, Narciso!
@lacretia
Quite unlike his colleagues on the late night circuit – past or present – CF personifies the once fallen noble who was able to bottle his weaknesses, utilize his excesses, and nurture his impulses in a self styled, slightly psycho cocktail, so seriously spiked and sweetly poured, it renders a mad punch of revelation to anyone succumbing to his charming delivery. And nobody is sending back those bad boys. He’s a brilliant child, a total goofball, a searing social critic and self-deprecating but deadly ladies man all rolled into one.
Bring him on!!!
Narcisco, I’ve heard of Craig Ferguson, but never watched him. Hilarious – but why is he hidden so late at night? I love leaders that can make fun of themselves, have a good time and not be afraid to be who they are – those are the folks I want to be around. Thanks for sharing!
While I’ve never seen this show, like others here have said I will take the time to catch it one night or atleast DVR it so I can watch a few episodes. But beyond that, when we talk about the tao is something that cannot be named, and if it is it’s not the tao. It’s the essence of something, pure and unadorned which is exactly what Craig Ferguson offers in a pure sense- and why you mentioned you were not entirely sure of what IT was. Of course, he’s adorned with all sorts of props, but that’s what helps bring his essence to be edible, and tangible in a sense. And if we think about it, that’s what all good leaders do – bring together an idea or ideas that evoke reaction, a need to affiliate, and inspire. Like Lacretia, Jon, David, Al have said, it’s about letting your hair down and just putting yourself out there. It’s good to be humble enough to poke fun at yourself, it allows others to see things they maybe could not before! Thanks for the great post!
I guess you can add me to the list for not having seen Craig, but I admire his “authentic goofyness.” I can apply that raw authenticity to my current situation. I just started a new position at a traditional media company. Oh there is culture shock, but not for me, but the employees who have been very comfortable doing what they do for many years. So you can imagine the magnifying glass on a happy-go- lucky social media type like me.
I embrace it every day and am not afraid to show them that I’m not perfect, I will screw up from time to time, and they will eventually see who I really am and trust that. It’s got to be earned. It’s that simple in theory, but really tough at the same time!!
That lack of fear of being yourself definitely comes with a mixture of built self-confidence and wisdom over the years (at least with me). I also take into consideration who my “audience” is and have to make sure that I’m not going overboard. I’m sure Craig’s audience accepts him for who he is but it’s a particular type of audience no less. Same applies everywhere.
Thanks for another great post Narciso!!
This is awesome, and hilarious!! I love your spin on it.
OMG! I never laughed so hard! I hadn’t heard of Craig Ferguson, but I think I am going to have to DVR his show.
At one company, we would have these “serious marketing meetings” with management and other departments and never accomplished much (mainly due to politics). Then we marketers would meet separately (we were all friends, which made it easier) and have what we called “green light” sessions. We could throw all of our ideas on the table, no matter how silly, crazy or creative. And the rule was no judgement. And you know what…some of the best (and implemented!) campaigns came out of those meetings.
There’s something to be said for not taking yourself too seriously.
Actually, he probably leads by paycheck.
If the show is structured as its older “late night sibling”, The Late Show with David Letterman, everytime a staffer is on the air? They get an additional paycheck. David Letterman did it for serveral staffers.
Also is the guy in leather a writer? (I think I heard that he was when he was talking about his “new” dog. The one called Stinky or Cabbage. The one who farts excessively.) When a writer gets their skit on the show, I heard that they get paid pretty well…If anyone else hears different? Let me know.
My vote? They get on tv and they get extra money.
In this economy, the extra pay is a godsend.
I’m unsure where the CBS folks may stand in regards to money (although Mr. Ferguson always jokes about how ‘cheap’ the network may be). HOWEVER, I will say that there are some folks that would not do nearly half of what these staffers do on the air (writers or not). To me, this is a clear testament to the fact that (with or without money) you’ve got to be committed on some level or another – you can’t hide that on the camera…to me it would pick up a pay for play’ kind of sensibility.
A good leader guides folks into these kinds of waters – even if you have a fear of wearing leather shorts or lip psynching in front of a studio audience.
Wasn’t that Grandmaster Flash (not Duran Duran)?
Yes…and No. Duran Duan did a version of this song in 1995 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmIN9ulmy-E) with Grandmaster Flash handling some vocals in the version noted here. Although there is something to be said for the original version of the song when it was done with the Fruious Five and Grandmaster Flash in 1989 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1183eDREj4w)
Ultimately the key to successful leadership is being yourself. This works for Ferguson, but wouldn’t for Leno, let alone Steve Jobs or Barack Obama. Leaders must be authentic, you can’t fake. Or at least you can’t fake it for long.
Narciso, you’ve done a service by highlighting that leadership doesn’t have to be learned by reading a book with a somber title written by a CEO or championship coach (both of whom will no doubt be fired in the next three years).