4. Womb of Worlds or Silent Space? Imagination and Leadership

Imagination is not simply the ability to conceive the future, but also to conceive the past. It is also an ability to conceive and see the present properly. Imagination analyzes and synthesizes. Too much imagination and leaders may be paralyzed for fear or complexity, but with too little imagination leaders may not conceive reality well or act properly. Lewis’ own ability to analyze, synthesize, and present reality in creative ways is a benefit for our reflections. For Lewis, the imagination is a sense-making organ. As such, it is not neutral. Imagination is in pursuit of images and allows proper understanding of images. Images are not simply mental pictures, but wider sensations, including emotions. Imagination is a point of connection between leader and follower. Improperly formed, the imagination will be misused and will mislead others. Properly formed, the imagination connects with reality and facilitates the connection of other imaginations with reality.