Divergents: Developing Them

The new blockbuster film, "Divergent," is a pretty amazing film when you view it through a leadership lens.  Imagine a world with factions, people groups conforming to distinct roles, based on their personalities and strengths.  It's a theatrical adaptation to real life.  It's a movie about compliance, fitting in and the social tendency to reject those who resist.  I'm reminded how many young leaders feel in schools where their push-back is perceived as rebelliousness and their influence is punished.  Leaders are Divergent.

The leading actress is Shailene Woodley, playing the part of a 16-year-old who, discovering she's Divergent, tries to play the part of another faction member, but can't seem to hide her true self.  While I don't want to let out too much of the plot for those who've not yet seen it, the bottom line is that this young leader ends up playing a significant part in fighting evil and standing for what is right.  The fact the she's a young female is also a growing trend (i.e. "Hunger Games"), whereby young women are being recognized as leaders.  That's why we continue to be excited about the release of SheLead, our new young woman training curricula.