The incredible book "Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln" describes how effective leaders embrace "props" to reinforce their images. Lincoln, for example, didn't just wear a stovepipe hat on the one occasion he was photographed ~ that was his signature prop to help him appear even taller. 
Churchill smoked stogies as a part of his image. George Washington used to climb out of his carriage a mile outside of town so he could ride-in on a white horse. These were all strategic "props" to reinforce their carefully crafted images.
I can think of several "influencers" today who use "props" to craft their images: Chuck Colson's thick-framed glasses, Steve Jobs' black crew neck, Rick Warren's Hawaiin shirts... Tucker Carlson abandoned his bow-tie, but it was working for him.
... Ben Arment's iPhone ;)
Posted by: Josh Wilcox | June 26, 2007 at 10:25 AM
HA! you know it =)
Posted by: Ben | June 26, 2007 at 12:20 PM