Every October, the Peanuts gang reminds us that leadership doesn’t always wear a cape—or a mask. Sometimes it carries a blanket, believes in pumpkins, and keeps showing up when everyone else laughs.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” might look like simple nostalgia, but if you pay attention, Linus, Charlie Brown, and even Lucy have some surprisingly powerful leadership lessons to share.

1. Linus: Believe in Something Bigger Than Yourself

Linus spends the whole night in the pumpkin patch, waiting for the Great Pumpkin. Everyone doubts him. Everyone teases him. But he never wavers in his belief.

That’s what visionary leadership looks like. Great leaders hold onto their “why” even when others can’t see it yet. They inspire faith, not through force, but through quiet conviction.

Every organization needs a Linus—someone who dares to believe that what they’re building is worth waiting (and working) for.

2. Charlie Brown: Show Up, Even When It’s Hard

Our favorite round-headed kid rarely wins. He gets rocks instead of candy, loses baseball games, and still manages to show up again and again with heart and hope.

That’s resilience. Leaders who show up after tough seasons, who admit mistakes, and who keep trying when things don’t go as planned—those are the people others want to follow.

Sometimes leadership isn’t about always getting the “treats.” It’s about staying in the game no matter what’s in your trick-or-treat bag.

3. Lucy: Set Clear Expectations (and Don’t Move the Football!)

Let’s be honest—Lucy’s got confidence, communication skills, and a commanding presence. But her biggest leadership flaw? Lack of trust.

When she keeps moving the football, she breaks psychological safety—a key part of every strong culture.

Leaders build loyalty by doing what they say they’ll do. Consistency and reliability make people feel safe to take risks and be creative. So, maybe keep the football where you said it would be, Lucy.

4. Sally: Advocate for Yourself (and Your Team)

Sweet Sally may follow Linus into that pumpkin patch, but she’s not afraid to speak up when things don’t go as promised. “You owe me restitution!” she demands.

There’s a valuable leadership lesson there: it’s okay to stand up for fairness and hold people accountable—even the ones you admire.

Strong leaders encourage healthy debate and protect their people from burnout or broken promises. Being nice and being firm aren’t opposites—they’re both part of integrity.

5. Snoopy: Don’t Forget to Play

While everyone else is stressing over pumpkins and parties, Snoopy’s off fighting imaginary battles as the World War I Flying Ace. He’s creative, confident, and fully himself.

Work needs a little of that energy. The best leaders encourage play, imagination, and moments of joy. Those “non-work” sparks often fuel the best ideas and remind teams why they love what they do.

So channel your inner Snoopy now and then—dance a little, dream big, and bring your personality to the job.

Final Thought: Hope Is a Leadership Strategy

In the end, Linus doesn’t see the Great Pumpkin. But he never gives up hope. That’s what makes him a timeless example of leadership.

Belief—whether in people, purpose, or possibility—is contagious. It lifts teams, sustains progress, and keeps everyone moving toward something better.

So this Halloween, grab a blanket, find your pumpkin patch, and keep believing in what others can’t see yet. Because one day, that faith is what’ll make your culture truly great.

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