Becoming an Impactful Leader: Applying Lester Freamon’s Principles from The Wire

Back in 2008 when I was working at the NBA, every Monday morning my boss would ask, did you watch The Wire last night - what’d you think? We would have very opinionated discussions about the characters, the storyline, and the authenticity of the show.

Even now, two decades later, the show still resonates with audiences and continues to spark conversations about race, poverty, and institutional systems. Currently, I am listening to The Wire 20-year anniversary podcast, where the show's creators and actors reflect on the impact it had and the behind-the-scenes stories that went into its production. The podcast is helping me gain even more insight into the characters and their motivations, making me appreciate the show even more.

As a guy who grew up near Baltimore, my boss was fascinated with the show’s complexity.

Fast forward to 2017, he sends me his Leadership Playbook, which is jam packed with information from his favorite sources. I now read the lengthy document at least once a year.

One of my favorite sections features points of leadership that Lester Freamon displayed in the show. It’s awesome. I’ve taken what I was provided and extended for some impactful points.

For those who have not seen The Wire, Lester Freamon (played by Clarke Peters) is a savvy detective from the Baltimore Police Department who serves as a prime example of a leader who embodies crucial leadership principles. As you read along, we will delve deeper into Lester Freamon's leadership style and discuss how we can incorporate his principles into our own leadership practices.

Firstly, Freamon's ability to see the big picture is a vital leadership trait that can help leaders make well-informed and strategic decisions. By taking a step back and analyzing the larger systemic issues that contribute to problems, leaders can develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges their organizations face. To apply this principle to our own leadership style, we must take a holistic approach to problem-solving and consider the long-term effects of our decisions.

Another important principle that Freamon demonstrates is embracing success. As leaders, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate successes and milestones, both for ourselves and our teams. Doing so promotes a culture of achievement and inspires team members to strive for excellence. Leaders should take time to recognize hard work and dedication, and to take pride in their own accomplishments.

Building on strengths is another key way of living that Freamon incorporates into his leadership style. Leaders should focus their energies on the areas where they excel, allowing them to maximize their effectiveness and make the greatest possible contribution to their team. It is also essential to delegate tasks to others who are better suited to handle them, as it enables leaders to focus on their own strengths.

Confidence is a critical leadership trait and Freamon exudes it, helping others increase their belief in him. Leaders should have faith in their own abilities and be willing to take risks and make bold moves. Being confident in our decision-making inspires our teams to have faith in our leadership and to take bold actions themselves.

Embracing technology is also essential in today's rapidly evolving world. Technology can be a powerful tool for solving problems, and leaders must stay up-to-date on emerging trends and adopt new technologies where necessary. Doing so will help us improve our team's effectiveness and achieve our goals more efficiently.

Asking for what we need and want is another important leadership principle, as it demonstrates our commitment to achieving our goals. Leaders must understand that they require the resources and support necessary to be effective, and it is important to communicate our needs to our superiors and team members.

Acting decisively is another trait that Freamon embodies. Leaders must be able to make tough decisions quickly and effectively, especially when time is of the essence. By acting decisively, leaders can achieve their goals and inspire their teams to do the same.

Seeking out and accepting challenging opportunities is critical to developing as a leader. Leaders who take on challenging tasks demonstrate their commitment to their organization's goals and their own personal growth. By embracing challenging opportunities, leaders can hone their skills and become more effective in their roles.

Developing exceptional relationships is another vital principle that Freamon embodies. Leaders must cultivate positive relationships with their colleagues, team members, and superiors. By doing so, they create a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages open communication and trust.

Lastly, living purposefully is a critical leadership principle. Leaders must have a clear understanding of their organization's mission and purpose and align their actions with those values. By living purposefully, leaders can inspire their teams to work towards a common goal and create a culture of purpose and meaning.

Lester Freamon's leadership principles and points offer valuable insights for leaders looking to improve their skills. Incorporating these principles into our own leadership style can help us become more effective and successful in our roles. By embracing the big picture, celebrating success, building on strengths, acting with confidence, embracing technology, asking for what we need and want, acting decisively, seeking out challenging opportunities, developing exceptional relationships, and living purposefully, you can be the most impactful leader.