DWP – Miranda Priestly
1. Scene: The "Cerulean" Monologue
The Scenario: When Andy snickers at the "similarity" of two blue belts, Miranda
delivers a surgical breakdown of how a specific shade of blue (Cerulean) was chosen
by designers, filtered through the industry, and eventually ended up in Andy's
"tragic" bargain bin sweater.
Leadership Qualities: Absolute Expert Power, Intellectual Dominance.
Theoretical Correlation:
-Expert Power (French & Raven): Miranda demonstrates that her
authority is not just a title; it is based on a level of knowledge that no one else
in the room possesses.
-Path-Goal Theory (The Inverse): Traditional Path-Goal theory suggests a
leader should "clarify the path." Miranda does the opposite; she uses her
expertise to belittle and intimidate, creating a psychological barrier that
ensures only those who "speak her language" can follow her.
"Miranda uses her expert power not to mentor, but to establish a hierarchy of
intellectual superiority, forcing followers like Andy to realize that their 'outsider'
perspective is a liability, not an asset."
2. Scene: The "Harry Potter" Impossible Task
The Scenario: Miranda demands that Andy secure two copies of the unpublished
Harry Potter manuscript for her twins by the afternoon. Failure results in immediate
termination.
Leadership Qualities: Coercive Power, High Task Orientation (Low-LPC).
Theoretical Correlation:
-Fiedler’s Contingency Model: Miranda is a classic Task-Motivated
(Low-LPC) leader. In her "High Control" situation (she owns the brand, she
has the money, the task is clear—get the book), she is technically "effective"
because she produces results, regardless of the emotional cost to the
employee.
-Normative Decision Model: Her style is AI (Autocratic). She doesn't care
about the "Acceptance" of the decision by the subordinate. Because the
prestige of
Runway
magazine acts as a Substitute for Leadership
Satisfaction, employees tolerate her autocratic abuse just for the resume
value.
"By setting impossible standards, Miranda utilizes coercive power as a 'quality
filter.' She operates under a Low-LPC framework where the human relationship is
entirely sacrificed for the perfection of the task."
3. Scene: Andy’s Transformation and "The Book"
The Scenario: After a breakdown, Andy changes her style and starts anticipating
Miranda’s needs (e.g., getting the coffee right, knowing the guest list). She
eventually earns the "honor" of delivering "The Book" to Miranda’s home.
