I love Nemo and Dory…for years we had a big saltwater fish tank, and they were truly my favorite fish! So how do Finding Nemo and Finding Dory make us think about leadership? For me the biggest lessons we learn from both movies is the collaboration and problem-solving that they experience.
Marlin (Nemo’s dad) and Dory both must navigate unpredictable environments. They are caught up in open oceans and facilities that they don’t know. As leaders we must adapt, often rapidly based on the situation. The other thing as leaders is that must remain calm even in uncertain times.
Marlin has also sheltered Nemo but must trust him to act independently. Marlin must nurture his growth which is what leaders must do with their team members. Effective leaders need to recognize when they should take a step back! Dory on the other hand must work with many unknown allies (crabs, sea lions and whales) and collaborate with them. By collaborating, she can solve problems and get out of her situation.
Both films highlight leadership as both vision and perseverance. Both Nemo and Dory’s resilience helps them learn from setbacks and remain committed to their objectives. True leadership involves recognizing the unique contributions of each team member and working toward a shared goal!
