Impulse

Essence and Abstraction
What William Turner Teaches Us About Leadership

Turner, a Master of Romanticism, is famous for his luminous, highly reduced landscapes that capture the essence of a moment. The recent, outstanding exhibition at the Lenbachhaus in Munich contrasted the difference between his public and private works, while also showcasing his role as a professor of perspective at the Royal Academy. Alongside his atmospheric masterpieces, his precise architectural drawings were also on display.

Two views of the Venetian lagoon were particularly striking to me. One painting, created for an art competition, was detailed, highly realistic, and technically flawless, yet it left little lasting impression. The other, rendered in Turner’s signature style—vibrant and abstract—radiated a magic that lingers in the memory.

For leaders, mastering the craft is essential. Numbers, details, and processes are important, no doubt. But often, it is taking a step back that allows us to grasp the essence of the task ahead and thus create lasting and meaningful impact.

So, my question to you: What is your Turner painting? What balance do you strike between details and abstraction in your leadership? Are you trapped in processes and data, unable to break free? How can you distill what truly matters to create something extraordinary and enduring? Let’s explore this perspective together and transform your leadership.

Contact me to discover and develop your own Turner-like vision..