The Successful Devil

     Miranda Priestly is the successful editor of the Runway Magazine in the movie The Devil Wears Prada. Priestly's success is largely contributed to her drive and focus on her job. She is so particular and serious about the magazine that there is really only one outcome- success. Her passion and drive are often times seen as cold and abrasive to the people who work at Runway. Her leadership style can be seen in a lot of different ways. If she was a man, there would be no question about her leadership. She would be seen as successful and that is all. However, she is a woman, and there are a different level of expectations for woman in power positions. The demanding aspect of her leadership is looked at as a negative. I think this is completely unfair. In a business setting, I believe the ends justify the means. Miranda is wildly successful, and she is able to have the magazine run in such an efficient way that can only be accredited to her firm leadership style. 

    I think I would describe Miranda's leadership style in one word, and that is detailed. I think she is extremely detail oriented in what she wants and her vision for the magazine. I think this detail driven mindset can absolutely be seen as tyrannical or cruel, but in my opinion, it comes from a good place. She has a vision of what she wants for the magazine, and if an idea is not aligned with that vision, she is quick to shoot it down and get everyone on the same page to execute that vision, down to the smallest detail. I think this leadership style is effective because it emphasizes and empowers followers to do their job to the highest level and check all of the boxes. When employees see the top of the company be extremely detailed they will ensure the same level of detail is present in their work as well, and this is only a recipe for success. 

    The important aspect of leadership is how followers react to the leadership. I think characters in the movie such as Andrea and Nigel were positively affected by Miranda's leadership. They were forced to do their job to the highest level to align themselves with Miranda's standards. I think this is crucial when trying to build a successful business. Miranda's leadership was the driving factor in setting up her employees for success.