Life-changing advice and funny quotes from major figures in pop culture: Miranda Presley, Michael Scott and Leslie Knope.

The glamorous world of film and television has produced a slew of iconic bosses over the years. Some made us laugh, others made the hairs on our neck stand up. Take a look at some of our faves and the words of wisdom and wit they had to offer. 

Miranda Presley from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’

This iconic character, portrayed by the icon herself Meryl Streep, is well-known to be a ruthless boss. As the Editor-in-Chief of the fictional Runway magazine, Miranda expects nothing but the very best from her employees. However, her work etiquette knows no bounds and no one can deny she is great at her job. Let’s see what we can learn from her leadership style.

Staying Confident:

And R.S.V.P. yes to Michael Kors’ party, I want the driver to drop me off at 9:30 and pick me up at 9:45 sharp.

Truth is, there’s no one who can do what I do.

If there’s one thing to pick up from Miranda, it’s the confidence which she oozes. Believing in yourself is the first step to achieving your goals. No to mention the radiant glow from within that comes with this level of courage and determination.

Giving Feedback:

Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.

By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

Miranda’s feedback definitively isn’t the warmest but her sharp wit is truly impressive. The lesson here is to tap into our inner comedian while giving feedback. Don’t be merciless like Miranda but try to be as funny – it’s not easy.

Managing expectations:

Is There Some Reason That My Coffee Isn’t Here? Has She Died Or Something?

If you demand too much from everybody, it will take a toll on you. Spoiler alert, Miranda’s story doesn’t have a happy ending.

Listening to your coworkers:

Please Bore Someone Else With Your Questions.

Details of your incompetence do not interest me.

That’s All.

Miranda is called “the devil” in the movie’s title for a reason. Her worst trait was her lack of respect for the people she worked with. So learn from her mistakes and do the opposite. Employ compassion and keep an open mind in your workplace.

Michael Scott from ‘The Office’

It’s hard to resist the charm of the self-proclaimed “World’s Best Boss”. Even though he often showed signs of true incompetence, Michael’s child-like wonder and love of all things were infectious. He might not be the greatest at what he does like Miranda, but he is incredibly passionate about his job and his employees.

On respect:

Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.

I love my employees even though I hit one of you with my car.

Michael aims to win the hearts of his employees. Even if his actions sometimes cause a ruckus, his attitude creates an open and exciting workplace. 

On office life:

An office is not for dying. An office is a place for living life to the fullest, to the max, to… an office is a place where dreams come true.

His passion for the job is admirable and inspiring. After all, the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin was consistently number one in sales, right?

On knowledge:

Sometimes I’ll start a sentence, and I don’t even know where it’s going. I just hope I find it along the way.

Wikipedia is the best thing ever. Anyone in the world can write anything they want about any subject. So you know you are getting the best possible information.

Being too naive can create problems in the workplace, but never taking yourself too seriously leaves an open space for conversation and the flow of ideas.

On self-care:

It’s a pimple, Phyllis. Avril Lavigne gets them all the time and she rocks harder than anyone alive.

I am running away from my responsibilities. And it feels good.

Now that is self-love. Michael Scott serves as a reminder to take a break when we need to. Remaining creative and active in other passions is incredibly important to stay sane. Remember his book on management “Somehow I Manage”? Or his screenplay, “Threat level midnight”? Goals!

Leslie Knope – ‘Parks and Recreation’

Leslie Knope embodies everything that makes Miranda and Michael good at their jobs. Like Miranda, she’s incredibly confident and organized. She takes her job seriously and works extremely hard. Like Michael, she loves her staff and keeps an open mind and a carefree spirit. Leslie truly is the best of both worlds!

Work ethic:

Slowing down is not really my jam.

We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third.

I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself.

Cheers to the strongest work ethic that ever graced the fictional world! She knows her stuff and never complains – a quality so rare that it deserves an award. 

Unbeatable optimism:

What I hear when I’m being yelled at is people caring loudly at me.

Hey, Leslie. It’s Leslie. Hang in there. I love you. Bye.

Her unyielding spirit is inspiring to everyone. Be like Leslie and don’t let setbacks bring you down. You can always do a quick self-pep talk to stay motivated.

 

The one lesson we can learn from all three of these famous bosses is passion. They are extremely passionate about their jobs and that’s an unbeatable foundation for happy work life. What do you do to stay motivated?