Rethinking Symbolic Leadership

Leadership, at its core, is meant to drive progress, inspire teams, and deliver results that move organizations toward a sustainable and thriving future. Yet, according to Narghiza Ergashova, the modern business world finds itself grappling with what she identifies as "ROT Leadership" – a concerning trend where appearances take precedence over substance and long-term value is sacrificed at the altar of shareholder expectations and symbolic success.

The Problem with Modern Leadership

Ergashova's concept of "ROT Leadership" highlights a critical issue in today's corporate world: many executives focus more on maintaining their image than achieving real, measurable results. This trend of prioritizing appearances over impactful leadership is weakening organizations from within. Instead of driving meaningful change, leaders often rely on polished speeches, symbolic gestures, and surface-level strategies that lack depth and accountability.

This behavior creates a culture where metrics, buzzwords, and PR campaigns replace genuine progress. Leaders who focus on optics risk losing connection with their teams, industries, and the larger societal needs they should be addressing. The outcome? A leadership style that maintains the status quo instead of promoting innovation, growth, and evolution.

If businesses want to thrive in the long term, leadership must shift away from this "ROT Leadership" approach and refocus on delivering tangible results, inspiring teams, and fostering real progress.

The Neoliberal Influence on Corporate Priorities

Ergashova goes further by dissecting the systemic forces that nourish "ROT Leadership." She emphasizes the critical role of neoliberal transformations, which have fundamentally altered the way businesses define success. Historically, a company's worth was tied to product quality and innovation. Today, the relentless focus on growth and maximizing shareholder value has shifted priorities away from these fundamentals.

This transition raises pressing questions about what it means to be a "good business" in the modern age. Ergashova's critique likens the current economic model to a revamped version of feudalism, where shareholders enjoy disproportionate rewards while employees, customers, and other stakeholders often bear the costs. Decisions that could empower long-term stability are frequently sidelined in favor of quarterly earnings or market appeasement.

At its core, this system's reliance on constant return-on-investment pressures distorts leadership incentives. It discourages forward-thinking strategies and meaningful investments in talent, sustainability, or community wellbeing, instead rewarding superficial actions that provide immediate, yet insubstantial, returns.

The Rise of the Symbolic Society

Another critical layer of Ergashova's analysis is her exploration of the "symbolic society," a term she uses to describe the ascendancy of image over action. Success, particularly in corporate arenas, is increasingly measured by an ability to craft and sustain a narrative, rather than execute meaningful change. Leaders are often rewarded more for their charisma and perceived social capital than for their technical competence or innovative vision.

This symbolic structure extends beyond individuals to organizational cultures reliant on style over substance. While achieving visibility and influencing public perception are valuable, Ergashova warns of their overuse, which can result in hollow progress and an inability to address practical challenges. This pattern, she asserts, is a misalignment of what leadership should represent.

Toward Authenticity and Sustainable Leadership

Narghiza Ergashova's thought-provoking analysis challenges us to reconsider what genuine leadership should look like in an era fraught with fast-moving goals and image-focused priorities. She calls for a renewed commitment to authentic work, emphasizing principles like integrity, long-term value creation, and meaningful contributions over fleeting success metrics.

Such a shift in mindset and behavior would necessitate abandoning the comfort of symbolic acts for the often difficult work of addressing structural inequities, investing in sustainable innovation, and listening to the voices of all stakeholders in an organization. Importantly, it demands a move away from the short-termist mentality fostered by shareholder-first narratives, replacing it with strategies that balance profit, purpose, and planet.

Redefining Corporate Success in an Evolving Landscape

Narghiza Ergashova’s insights remind us that industries stand at a crossroads. Leaders must decide whether to continue along the path of symbolic successes that prioritize appearance or to forge a new route grounded in substance, sustainability, and authentic value creation. Her critique of "ROT Leadership" is more than an observation; it is a rallying cry for businesses to reimagine their priorities and redefine their metrics of success.

If the business world hopes to build a future that is both equitable and resilient to transformation, leadership must move beyond rhetoric and toward tangible actions that inspire trust, deliver value, and create an ecosystem where stakeholders thrive. By internalizing the principles Narghiza Ergashova advocates, organizations can position themselves not as relics of symbolic structures, but as architects of meaningful, lasting success.

Your thoughts on the matter?

Truly Yours,

Narghiza Ergashova

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Narghiza Ergashova is a highly skilled finance executive based in Australia with extensive experience across industries like property, mining, chemicals, and infrastructure. She is recognized for her expertise in managing complex portfolios, building strong stakeholder relationships, and driving exceptional business performance.

As a thought leader, Narghiza regularly shares valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and personal growth. Through her Medium articles, she covers key topics such as employee engagement, effective leadership strategies, and overcoming business challenges. Her work resonates with professionals looking for actionable advice and inspiration to succeed in both their careers and personal lives.

To learn more about Narghiza Ergashova, you can explore her work on the Blogger, STCK.com or visit her Medium.com profile. Discover her expert insights and strategies for leadership, business growth, and navigating challenges in today’s fast-paced industries.

In May 2025 Narghiza Ergashova released her debut autobiography called Curly Clix Convictions . The book delves into Narghiza's journey as a professional, entrepreneur, and wife and a mother. You can visit her biography by clicking the link below.