ABSTRACT
An essential part of effective leadership is the management of meaning. Effective leaders speak to the collective imagination of their followers. Leadership and stagecraft, business and theatre, join forces as effective leaders use strategic manoeuvres to mobilize psychological support. Effective leaders realize that the process of meaning-management requires painting the environment in sharp images, creating a Manichean world of light and darkness. Alexander's leadership style encouraged identification and group solidarity, in large part because he set the example of excellence. He had a special ability to transform ordinary labourers into extraordinary soldiers, to get the best out of his people, whatever their role. Given Alexander's interest in his divine and heroic ancestors, it is interesting to reflect on the notion of the "family romance", the label that psychologists give to a fantasy often cherished by children having a difficult time reconciling conflict-ridden situations in the family.
