Cloak And Mantle: Two Aspects Of Effective Leadership In Philanthropy

Forbes

2 days ago

Carla Thompson Payton, Chief Strategist and Impact Officer, WK Kellogg Foundation.
In my years studying, researching and practicing leadership, I've observed that effective leadership requires more than technical expertise or strategic vision. It demands a nuanced understanding of when to shield and when to showcase, when to protect and when to project. This is what I've come to call the "cloak and mantle" metaphor, a framework to understand these dual aspects of effective leadership.
The Mantle Of Responsibility
The mantle represents the visible aspect of leadership—the responsibilities we openly carry and the values we publicly champion. Leadership in business and philanthropy requires us to showcase what matters most to the organizations we support.
This visible aspect of leadership involves setting clear boundaries and establishing organizational values that allow teams to thrive.
In philanthropy, wearing the mantle means publicly championing causes that align with organizational values. For the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, one of those values is that we believe people inherently have the best answers to solve their own problems. So, we focus on community voices and community leadership. This public commitment projects the mission and clearly communicates priorities.
For business leaders, the mantle also represents the responsibility to increase their competitive advantage by creating environments where diverse perspectives are valued. It means establishing systems while showcasing an organizational commitment to innovation.
The Protective Cloak
While the mantle represents visible leadership, the cloak symbolizes the protective aspects—the moments when leaders must shield themselves and others from harm.
For Black women and others from historically marginalized groups in leadership positions particularly, this cloak becomes essential when navigating systemic barriers. In research I conducted on Black female leaders in the C-suite of philanthropy, one participant in my study shared, "I think it does take a certain type of fortitude and confidence ... We've got to have that fortitude and that ability to cry, but don't cry at the wrong time. You go home and cry, but the next morning, I have to wake up and keep going." As the leader of a foundation, she does not have time to wallow for days—or even half a day.
The cloak represents the emotional intelligence required to discern when to engage and when to protect one's energy. It's about knowing when to fight battles and when to make strategic retreats. As another leader in my study revealed, sometimes staying in an organization and fighting through barriers is just not an option. Wearing the cloak also requires the ability to discern when you are fighting a losing battle and need to make hard career choices.
It is also about creating systems that protect employees from bias and other unhealthy workplace behaviors.
Balancing The Cloak And Mantle In Modern Leadership
Effective leaders in both business and philanthropy must master the art of balancing these two aspects of leadership. They must know when to wear the mantle proudly—championing causes, setting boundaries and creating structures that allow teams to thrive—and when to don the cloak—protecting themselves and their teams from unnecessary harm.
In philanthropy, this balance is particularly crucial as organizations navigate increasing scrutiny. Foundations must simultaneously protect their work while clearly communicating their value to broader audiences.
For business leaders, the balance involves creating transparent systems while protecting organizational culture from harmful influences. It means knowing when to publicly champion initiatives and when to quietly build internal strength.
The Leadership Journey
This framework reminds us that leadership is a dynamic journey. It's for each leader to figure out in their leadership journey which piece they are wearing—mantle or cloak—when, how and why.
The most effective leaders recognize that both the cloak and mantle serve essential purposes. They understand that leadership sometimes requires setting the stage and providing structure, while other times demands protection and nurturing of oneself and others.
As we navigate increasingly complex business and philanthropic landscapes, the cloak and mantle metaphor offers a lens through which to understand the multifaceted nature of leadership. By thoughtfully balancing when to shield and when to showcase, leaders can create lasting impact while sustaining themselves and their teams for the journey ahead.
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