I am one of many musical theatre fans that has waited in anticipation for the release of Wicked for the big screen and I was blown away by the costumes, choreography and casting which made it a mesmerising masterpiece which brought to life a much loved story.

What makes this work more interesting is the important themes it encourages us to explore. Dilemmas around diversity, power and inclusion are central to the story as we see someone who is visibly different struggle to be accepted. What stands out to me the most though is Elphaba’s clarity and commitment to what she believes is right and wrong. She finds herself in her dream position of meeting the Wizard and finding that her unique skills are exactly what he is looking for. She is offered a new life with the Wizard which is what she has always dreamed of. However, she discovers that his actions go against everything she believes in so she chooses to make a stand regardless of the personal cost. 

It poses the following question: ‘What can Elphaba’s story teach us about leadership and ethical boundaries?’ 

When Elphaba and Glinda arrive to meet the Wizard, they receive an intimidating greeting from a large, golden head with angry, flashing eyes and a deep, booming voice. Terrified, the pair begin to introduce themselves and are interrupted by a human voice which is met by a body of a small man who emerges from behind the mask.

When the Wizard is revealed to have built his power on unethical practices which ensure he maintains control, Elphaba faces a moment of profound ethical conflict when she discovers that the Wizard’s actions contradict everything she believes in. At this crossroads, she must decide: continue to support the system that has given her power and influence, or reject it to stay true to her moral principles. 

This dilemma mirrors the tough choices leaders often face—balancing personal ambition and the pressure to conform with staying true to ethical standards, even when it means sacrificing something valuable. Like Elphaba, leaders may be forced to choose between advancing within a flawed system or taking a position that might alienate them from power or popularity.

Staying true to herself comes at a high cost as she is demonised and cast as an enemy to be feared. In the final number of Part 1, Elphaba tells Glinda she cannot accept these limits because it is too high a cost for her. Glinda says Elphaba is delusional and should accept the status quo but it is too late for Elphaba and she knows she cannot support something she is so strongly against. 

Elphaba’s decision to walk away regardless of the cost to her shows true leadership by prioritising principles over personal gain. It means she is cast out with the Wizard using his power to make others fear her and cast her as ‘Wicked’ despite her moral high ground. Being a lone voice against unethical systems often leads to criticism which can be difficult to face but leadership is about being able to stand up for what is right even if it is not popular. 

So, what lessons can we, as leaders, learn from Elphaba’s experience?

• Maintain integrity – Leadership is not about being popular. It’s about doing the right thing and standing by your values even when that is difficult and uncomfortable.
  
• Demonstrating courage – doing the right thing often requires bravery and resilience so leaders need to stay true to themselves and be clear about what they believe in.
  
• Creating a new narrative – leadership isn’t about being liked, it is about making ethical decisions that inspire others and bring about change. 

As we are coming to the end of 2024, it is the perfect time for reflection and I invite you to consider what you would do if you were in Elphaba’s position. What choices in your leadership could change the narrative, just as Elphaba’s choices reshaped hers?

Ultimately, we all need to lead with courage, even if it means re-writing the story that others tell about us.

If you’re interested in exploring your own ethical boundaries or want support in developing these leadership skills with your team, get in touch to find out how we can help.

Image: ID 337113737 | Wicked © Chingyunsong | Dreamstime.com