Leadership Lessons Inspired by Wicked the Movie: Tips to Empower Your Team

Growing up, I cherished both reading books and experiencing stories brought to life on screen. One of my fondest childhood memories is of sitting in front of the television with my sisters, captivated by The Wizard of Oz—even if I had to hide my eyes when the flying monkeys appeared. My passion for stories only deepened as I pursued an English major in college, fueling my imagination and curiosity. I constantly found myself wondering about the endings, imagining prequels or sequels, and pondering the fate of my favorite characters.

My excitement grew when I discovered Wicked, a musical that explores the complex relationship between two women in Oz, Elphaba and Glinda. The story continues from The Wizard of Oz, revealing earlier events and new insights into well-known characters. Wicked is more than just an engaging narrative. It serves as a source of valuable lessons about leadership and management.

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Popular, You’re Gonna Be Popular: Leadership Lessons in Disguise

One of my favorite scenes in Wicked is Glinda’s comical and bossy rendition of the song, “Popular.” The performance cleverly spotlights themes like superficiality and the difference between perception and truth.

When I stepped into a supervisory role for the first time, I made choices with the hope that my team would like me. My early leadership decisions were driven by a desire for acceptance, believing that popularity would lead to results. It was a natural impulse, especially since I was promoted within the same department and wanted to preserve friendships while being recognized as a leader.

However, I underestimated how significant the impact of leadership could be and realized that my attention needed to be balanced between achieving results and building relationships. It took a candid conversation with one of my direct reports, who was also a friend, to shift my perspective. She told me plainly that if everyone on the team liked me all the time, I wasn’t fulfilling my responsibilities as a leader. She encouraged me to accept that not everyone would always be happy with my decisions. Her honesty was invaluable; it demonstrated that she cared enough to be a truth teller and genuinely wanted me to succeed.

Wicked Check: How are you being true to yourself? Who are your truth tellers?

Defying Gravity: Coaching Others to Rise

“And if I’m flying solo, at least I’m flying free. To those who’d ground me, take a message back from me: Tell them how I am defying gravity!” 

Throughout the musical Wicked, Elphaba faces constant pressure from all sides—her father, professors, classmates, and even the Wizard—who attempt to hold her back through limitations, rigid social norms, and unjust authority. One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is the opportunity to coach and develop others. I find great fulfillment in recognizing strengths in people that they may not yet see in themselves and in supporting them as they realize their true potential.

Leaders foster environments that prioritize learning and collaboration. This means encouraging people to ask questions, actively listening to their perspectives, and helping them discover their own breakthroughs. By creating these opportunities, they strive to help others “defy gravity”—to rise above limitations and reach new heights.

Wicked Check: How are you holding space for defying gravity?

Wickedness: Nature vs. Nurture in Leadership

“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”

The central question posed in Wicked—whether people are inherently wicked or shaped by their circumstances—resonates far beyond the stage or screen. It often emerges in challenging or toxic environments. In such settings, it becomes easy to simply go along with the flow and stop questioning what you see and hear.

It is our responsibility to foster a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. I have witnessed the difference between those who welcome curiosity and those who do not. I recall an instance when, as a new member of a department undergoing significant change, I asked questions to better understand the situation and to align myself with the team’s direction. Instead of support, the leader responded by questioning my commitment, asserting that my reluctance to simply “go along” was problematic. This reaction eroded my respect for that leader—a loss that proved irreparable.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson. As someone who typically follows rules, I realized that it is not just acceptable but essential to think independently and avoid blindly following authority. True leadership is about empowering others to use their voice, think critically, and contribute meaningfully.

Wicked Check: How Are You Holding Space for Growth?

What have you learned about the people around you that will help you to better communicate, inspire, and understand them? How are you noticing all the choices for moving forward?

Embracing Your Authentic Power

“I’m through accepting limits ’cause someone says they’re so. Some things I cannot change, but till I try, I’ll never know!”

When Elphaba sings these lyrics, there is a visible transformation—she begins to fully embrace her own power. Personally, I have often found myself caught in the trap of comparing my journey to others. In the early days of my coaching and facilitation career, I thought I needed to imitate my colleagues. In fact, some of the advice I received even suggested that I needed to become someone different from who I truly was.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: we often limit ourselves and those around us by holding onto labels, unwritten social rules, or the expectations set by others. Through this process, I discovered that some people genuinely appreciated my authentic approach and connected with my style. The truth is, you never know who will resonate with you until you allow yourself to show up as you are. Over time, I also realized that leadership is not simply defined by a title. In fact, leading through influence rather than authority presents unique challenges, but it is also far more rewarding.

Leaving the corporate world to start my own business was a true leap of faith—a test of my resilience and a process of rebuilding my confidence and spirit. Recently, a former colleague confided that she had doubted my ability to succeed. Initially, her words hurt, but then I felt my inner Elphaba emerge. I am proud of showing up as myself.

Wicked Check: Where does your power come from? What are your gifts? What sets you apart?

Flying with Integrity

“Everyone deserves a chance to fly.”

Watching Elphaba take flight in Wicked evokes a sense of empowerment and inspiration. This transformation reflects a pivotal moment that everyone encounters on their journey—a moment when you are tested and must decide between taking the easy route or doing what is right.

The path of integrity is rarely the most popular or straightforward choice. When faced with these crossroads, fear often tries to cloud your judgment and shake your resolve. In these moments, your core values are brought to the forefront, and you may be called upon to advocate for yourself or others. The central question becomes: will you choose to rise, embracing the courage to “fly,” or will you remain grounded, held back by doubts and external pressures?

Wicked Check: Consider the areas in your life where you might be limiting your own potential. Reflect as well on situations where you may inadvertently be holding others back. 

Friendship That Lifts You Up

“We’re just two friends, two good friends. Two best friends!”

Watching Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship evolve is one of the joys of the storyline. While friendships with male colleagues and friends hold undeniable value, female friendships often carry a unique significance. 

Throughout my career, some of my most influential bosses, supportive peers, and invaluable mentors have been women. These relationships have evolved into enduring connections that have shaped both my professional and personal life. The strength found in these female alliances is unmatched, providing not only guidance but also encouragement during challenging times.

Recently, a mid-level female executive client shared a pivotal realization during a session: she recognized the need for a female mentor, especially as she navigated the complexities of workplace politics and life’s challenges. Identifying this missing piece became a turning point for her, emphasizing the importance of seeking out and nurturing these relationships.

Wicked Check: Who is your inner circle? When was the last time you connected with them? When was the last time you added someone new to your group?

Your Leadership Legacy

“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

Some of my favorite topics to discuss with leaders center around the reasons they aspired to leadership and for what they wish to be remembered. By understanding the mark you want to leave in the world, you gain motivation, a sense of purpose, and clarity about what truly matters. This is what shapes your leadership legacy.

Wicked check: How do you want others to be changed because they knew you?

Haven’t we all had moments when we felt like no one understood us, like our differences seemed greater than our similarities, or when doing the right thing felt nearly impossible? Those are your leadership moments. They serve as powerful reminders that while we all have flaws, we also all possess unique strengths. The essence of true leadership is about finding that inner courage. It’s about trusting your instincts, closing your eyes, and daring to fly.

Debby Neely is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation who specializes in leadership coaching and development. Her business, Neely Coaching & Training, supports both formal and informal leaders in realizing their potential and in getting results.