Appropriate

Edith Head is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential costume designers in film history. While viewing an exhibit of her work at the OKCMOA, I kept running into the word “appropriate.” During a career that spanned two major studios and over 400 films in 60 years, Head’s role was to create costumes that were “appropriate.”

Appropriate meant different things at different times. Her work needed to reflect the historical, geographic, and dramatic needs of the director’s vision for the film. Additionally, she worked across the era of the Hays Code and into the present-day Motion Picture Association film rating system. This ever-changing landscape continually redefined what was appropriate to depict in film and, therefore, impacted the costume designs.

With over 35 Oscar nominations and eight Oscar wins (more than any other woman to date), Head led the way through all these seasons. Her unique working style included consulting extensively with the stars with whom she worked, designing pieces that reflected the character rather than her own style, and capturing the director’s intent for the film in the costumes she created.

Head’s main role was to communicate through her designs. One of our primary roles as leaders is to communicate through words and actions (our designs). Like Head, we are faced with fulfilling our role while always being appropriate. Defining what appropriate means in a rapidly shifting social and cultural setting can be difficult, and failing can significantly impact your community and your career.

How do we ensure that our communications (words and actions) are appropriate?

First, we must know our audience. If we do not understand their needs, expectations, preferences, and challenges, we will struggle to tailor our message, tone, and style to suit them. Head took time to understand the script and how each character added to the story. She didn’t just design a dress; she designed a dress that enhanced the character within the plot. We must see each person on our team as a unique character in a larger story and communicate that.

It never hurts to ask questions before making decisions. Good questions show thoughtfulness and lead to a deeper understanding of a topic or an individual. Head spent considerable time with the actors she was costuming listening to their vision for the character. Great leaders show people that their concerns are important and that they want to help.

Even with people who are difficult or with whom we disagree, we can always be respectful, valuing, and polite. Raised voices, sarcasm, belittling, and other forms of verbal abuse are not appropriate and don’t create good outcomes anyway. Head faced many challenges in her career, yet she always found ways to convey her designs within the current boundaries around her.

My senior high school English teacher always said, “Good English in concise English.” Clear, concise communications that are crafted using the most appropriate language are going to be the most effective. Only use big words if there isn’t a simpler word that is accurate. Using fewer words is better. Using relatable language will draw your audience in and help them internalize the message. Head’s designs were known for being exactly what was needed to complete the character on screen—no more, no less.

Finally, we must practice empathizing with the people we serve. If we try to communicate an idea, concept, or instruction without understanding the perspective and feelings of others, we will often miss. One of the things that resonated with me about Edith Head was how much effort she put into understanding the character from every angle. When a leader is empathetic, it helps others believe they are willing to listen and learn from them.

While it may be difficult to completely define what is appropriate today (or tomorrow), leaders can always communicate more effectively if they know their team, ask good questions, respect everyone equally, stay clear and concise, and practice empathy. We could use a little more “appropriate” in the world today, and leading in that effort supports healthy communities and is the Bison Way.