I recently bought a colleague some merino pineapple socks as an end of year gift. They were hot pink with bright yellow pineapples on them. When reflecting on what to write on the accompanying card, I wanted to say things like, ‘keep doing what you are doing’ (we have been involved in a big change initiative together) and ‘don’t be afraid to stand out’ even if your ideas are not popular’. Then it occurred to me - actually the pineapple says this all by itself.

Maybe we need a leadership model shake up? So here’s my fruity solution - be a pineapple leader.

A pineapple leader is a useful metaphor for reframing effective leadership because it combines the leadership models of servant leadership, pedagogical leadership, social and emotional/empathy driven leadership. A pineapple leader is authentic, adaptive, strong, sweet and charismatic.

Using metaphor to reframe and reimagine solutions is one of my favourite things to do. Metaphor can be such a powerful reframing device because it ignites innovative and divergent thinking, forces new thinking about old ideas and connects seemingly unrelated concepts to birth fresh ideas. So thinking about pineapples (not socks) and leadership has allowed me to come up with a new and fresh model for leadership.

What is a pineapple leader? Let’s explore.

A pineapple is a fusion of many things
Did you know that a pineapple fruit is a fusion of over 200 individual flowers? A good leader needs to be a fusion/melting pot for a collective voice. A great pineapple leader should listen well, take many ideas and be able to assimilate them into a clear vision and a clear and strategic plan.
A pineapple is sweet
A great leader needs to leave a good taste in one’s mouth (as it were). Hard conversations need to be mana-enhancing and strengths focused so that the direction is ‘how might we do better at?’ rather than focusing on the negative (sour) aspects of ‘look at how bad we are at…’ A pineapple leader is an optimist who multiplies others’ strengths.
A pineapple has a natural crown
A pineapple leader knows that they are a leader and they do not need a shiny crown to display to the world to show it. Their crown is a part of their anatomy - it is just there, worn with pride but not affected because it occurs naturally. A pineapple does not draw attention to their points of difference or feel a need to ‘pull authority’. A pineapple leader embraces the pineapple crown as something that is part of who they are, and a part of what they do every day. They show up every day and they are the same person every day - leading humbly without actively seeking recognition.
A pineapple has a strong centre
The core of a pineapple is not necessarily they yummy part when you are preparing pineapples to be eaten - but it is still a very important part of the fruit’s anatomy. For a pineapple leader, it is important that the core is strong and that the values are always aligned to the mission and vision. The core holds the pineapple up. Strong leaders need a strong core to hold true to a shared purpose.
Pineapples have tough skin
Resilience is a trait that all leaders need. Have you ever known someone to take a critique of a system or process and take it personally? A visionary pineapple leader recognises that they are part of a system and that their role is as a guide on the side who can take critique graciously and see it as an opportunity to improve the working/learning environment.
Pineapples can be served in different ways
If you try to purchase pineapple at the supermarket you can find it whole, cut into chunks, sliced into rings and even crushed in a can. A great pineapple leader can differentiate and repackage solutions to meet the needs of the end user. They are empathetic and tune in to different modes of communication. Rings for whole team communication and segments for regular one-on-ones to keep relationships and individual connections both positive and strong. A pineapple leader’s team feels heard and seen and knows that they will be worked with in a way that works for them. (UDL)
A pineapple’s crown creates more pineapples
A pineapple leader can share ideas and plant them for others to grow into. Just like a pineapples’ crown can be planted to eventually grow into a new plant, the thoughts and innovations of a pineapple leader should be seeking to grow more leaders long term. The pineapple leader will never need to lead alone if they grow capability in their team.
Pineapples take time to ripen
I learned recently that a pineapple plant may take 18-24 months to ripen. Great projects also take time and a pineapple leader can see into the future and provide steps that carry a project through the first six months and beyond with a clever cyclical and strategic plan for meaningful change. A pineapple leader knows that good things take time and that change can be created as a strong collective by building other leaders around them. Change making can be a slow burn - but the results can be so sweet. A pineapple leader know this.
Pineapples aid digestion
Digestion is ultimately just a good human system of converting something into energy, identifying waste and eliminating it. ‘Good digestion’ means that a pineapple leader can design good systems. They can identify the energy areas, cull the muda/waste and support a team to be able to do their work feeling supported to function as well as they can. A pineapple leader can reduce stress in this way by removing distractions and constantly seeking ways to create continuous flow.
Pineapples are versatile
I once stumbled upon a Kenny Rogers cookbook sponsored by Dole Pineapple and we laughed at ‘all of the ways’ that pineapple could be used. Savoury, sweet, barbecued, fried, raw… you name it, it can be done with a pineapple. A pineapple leader is flexible and agile - adaptive and approachable. And although some people can’t stand pineapple on pizza - pineapple can be served in so many other ways that the pizza naysayers won’t miss out on pineapple in some form or other. A pineapple leader knows that not all people like pineapple, and they can adapt their delivery to provide leadership nutrition in a personalised and differentiated way to suit different palettes and preferences. A pineapple leader does not do one-size-fits-all.

So there you go. A pineapple is an enlightening metaphor for reframing good leadership. What do you think?
The traits of a pineapple leader summarised again for you are:
is a good listener
is an optimist
is ‘naturally crowned’ and humble
has strong values
demonstrates resilience
is empathetic
uses thought leadership to sow seeds for others
is strategy-oriented
designs effective systems to reduce load for others
is overall agile and versatile

Ready to embark on your journey to becoming a pineapple leader? How might you become more of a pineapple leader in your industry?