How are successful leaders metaphorically described?

Successful leaders are metaphorically described as icebergs because this analogy emphasizes the concept that much of a leader's capabilities, actions, and impact are often hidden beneath the surface. Just like an iceberg, where only a small portion is visible above water while a much larger section lies below, leaders have foundational qualities, beliefs, values, and experiences that influence their visible behaviors and decisions.

This metaphor highlights the importance of understanding the deeper, underlying aspects of leadership that are not immediately apparent. Leadership involves more than just the obvious traits—such as charisma or decisiveness; it includes resilience, emotional intelligence, and the capacity for self-reflection, which are critical to their effectiveness. Thus, the iceberg metaphor serves as a reminder that the true essence of leadership is often a blend of complex factors that contribute to a leader's overall effectiveness, much of which remains unseen by others.

This deeper understanding of leadership aligns with the idea of the 360 Degree Leader, who recognizes the importance of influencing others from multiple angles, reflecting on one's impact, and developing a robust internal foundation for effective leadership practices.