Explorations in Black Leadership

Co-Directed by Phyllis Leffler & Julian Bond

Leadership Style

BOND: Do you have a different style of leadership when you're talking to groups that are all black like the [Links] or a mixed race or all-white audiences? Are you different in these occasions?

BISHOP: No, I would not say that I'm different. I have the same message and there may be a difference in style. If I'm in a black church, I may take on the style of a black preacher. I may quote more scripture, you know, and I may be able to put it in — to package it in a way that that audience is accustomed to hearing it.

If I'm at a more sophisticated black audience, I may be more reserved in how I present the ideas. If I'm in a white audience or depending upon the level, I try to deliver my message in a way that is understandable and receivable by the audience. The message is the same, but the manner of presentation may be slightly different.