They might seem like silly kid shows, but Disney movies actually teach valuable lessons about the power of encouragement, teamwork and developing leadership skills. Many of these qualities are essential to young children but also highlight some of the most important qualities of both a leader and a high-performing team.
Let’s dive into some of the best leadership scenes in movies to inspire the next generation of employees and leaders.
5 Best Leadership Scenes in Disney Movies
1. Cinderella – Dress Making Scene
In this clip, Cinderella’s clan of critters joins forces to cheer up an overworked and under the weather Cinderella. Together they were able to flawlessly tailor a beautiful dress that enabled Cinderella to go to the ball and meet her prince. Because Cinderella is a kind and caring leader, her team is willing to go through hoops and bounds to make her happy.
This movie about leadership teaches that at work, if you ever notice that one of your co-workers is feeling overwhelmed or a little blue, maybe consider getting the office together to help cheer them up. It doesn’t have to be something as grand as dress tailoring, but maybe a Team Happy Hour, Chocolate Tasting Event, or a simple email of encouragement will do.
2. Mulan – “I’ll Make a Man out of You”
If anyone ever needs a pep talk – I’m telling ya this would be one of the first movies on leadership I consult. Believe it or not, this song was on my high school soccer team’s pregame playlist.
“I’ll Make a Man Out of You” demonstrates a strong portrayal of leadership. Captain of the Imperial Army, Li Shang, instills a sense of unity into his group of misfits. As you’ll notice at the beginning of the clip, the recruits can barely get along or get out of their way. However, thanks to Shang’s leadership skills, he can create a band of trained and focused brothers.
If ever you feel that your office is a bit disengaged, be a leader like Shang and find a way to glue the pieces back together. I’d recommend creating an employee engagement program or offering team building opportunities to get your team connecting and collaborating!
3. The Lion King – Rafiki, Simba & Mufasa
Rafiki is one of the greatest displays of leadership in cartoons. Seriously. He always asks all of the right questions. Not only that, but he is also able to lead Simba to find his father and the answers Simba has been missing.
If there is someone new to your company, be sure to take on the role of Rafiki and help this person gain comfort and confidence within the office. Almost everyone is nervous on their first day, if not their first month, so use our icebreakers to help this person find their mold and become part of the team. Host an office scavenger hunt to show your new coworker around their new turf to strengthen your team and build relationships.
4. Toy Story 2 – Crossing the Road
Sometimes it takes a little strategy, creativity, and influential leadership to get from one point to another, whether it is crossing the street or changing an aspect of your company.
In this clip, Buzz takes on the leadership role as he guides his fellow toys across a busy street. If you were to take on Buzz’s role, be sure not to leave behind quite so much destruction in your path. Our Team and Leadership DNA program is a perfect way to engage and develop the talent that is already around you.
5. Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans truly is the quintessential team building movie, if there ever was one. There is no number of leadership movie clips that will do it justice. You just have to watch (and watch and watch) and know the whole movie to understand the complete transformation made by this high school football team in the early 70s.
If you feel like your team needs a reminder of how to overcome obstacles and strive towards victory, make them watch Remember the Titans as “homework.” This movie will remind everyone how powerful a team can really be. But if you don’t have time to watch the whole thing, check out the two clips above – they’re two of the best leadership scenes in movies.
Inspiring Disney Leadership Quotes
Disney movies are jam-packed with great leadership quotes, but these are three of my absolute favorites to inspire regular people to become leaders. Remember, we’re all leaders in one way or another!
“The only way to get what you want in this world is hard work.” – Tiana, Princess and the Frog
Tiana’s determination to open her own restaurant in Princess and the Frog is inspiring to anyone daring to start their own business venture. Whether it’s a new business, position, or other opportunity, the only way to get there is to work hard and persevere!
“You made a lot of mistakes, a lot. And you will make a lot more in the future.” — Anger, Inside Out 2
Though it may seem pessimistic, Anger’s extreme honesty throughout Inside Out 2 helps Riley, the main character, learn to overcome hurdles that life throws at her. Everyone makes mistakes, and even the best leaders in the world expect to make mistakes themselves. The trick is to continue pushing toward your goals without worrying about potential downfalls.
“Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.” – Grandmother Willow, Pocahontas
This Disney leadership quote emphasizes that growth comes from adversity. The best leaders take a more difficult and less travelled path to become more resilient. Although it’s easier to stay stagnant or do what’s easiest, the harder path will most likely have a more fulfilling outcome.
Get Inspired from Movies of Leadership
Great leaders remember there is no I in team. And, with great leadership comes increased productivity, collaboration, and employee happiness. Even though some of these movie clips may be fictional, the qualities that the leaders exhibit are not. These clips can be fun reminders for your team as to how important each person is to the team and what your leaders should improve upon!
Team building activities can be a great way to increase your own leadership skills and encourage the development of leadership qualities amongst your team members. Whether your team is virtual, hybrid, or in-person, we have hundreds of team building activities that will be sure to strengthen your team.
