Savvy Leaders Speak Out
Sam Pott, Nimbus’ Artistic Director, was stunned, angry and hurt after the events on March 8, 2021, the day eight Asian women were murdered in Atlanta. Nimbus is NJ’s largest professional contemporary dance company, racially and ethnically diverse with people of all backgrounds. After the March attack, Sam responded with a public letter. One of his statements stood out:
“When I have written publicly about injustice and instances of violence and racism in the past, I have received responses to “stay in your lane”. But I believe we all must expand our lanes. Change can begin with words, but is made real by action. Here are my words (referring to the Nimbus letter), the follow-up actions are up to us all”.
The statement has stayed with me since I first saw it. It an excellent example of leadership behaviors and provides insight into the culture and character of a company leading the way in our racially charged environment. Here are 3 leadership behaviors the letter highlights.
Walk the Values: Savvy leaders model the organization’s values – they walk the walk. After this incident, Sam gathered the staff to discuss the incident. One of Nimbus’ core values is community and Sam strengthened the Nimbus community by acknowledging the impact of the event on the dance company.
Speak out: Savvy leaders speak out. In the letter Sam condemns the event but he went a step further by highlighting the importance of “expanding lanes.” When regional, national and global events conflict with the organization’s values, savvy leaders quickly comment, and take a firm public position by speaking out.
Take Action: Savvy leaders inform people on how to engage. When Sam met with the dance company, he asked them their thoughts on moving forward. Their response was to “encourage others to action, not just speak words of outrage.” The letter includes action-oriented steps for Nimbus’ community in New Jersey and beyond to address injustice.
Savvy leaders are very clear on their values and have the conviction to fully live them. People will challenge such leader’s behaviors and actions such as the people who said to Sam “stay in your lane.” When this occurs, savvy leaders listen to others, respect their positions, AND take actions based on their own values. Sam understood the position of “staying in your lane”; yet, his belief of “expanding lanes” drove the action to take a public stand.
“To Thine Own Self by True” – Hamlet, William Shakespeare
Sam’s full letter is on Instagram and Facebook.