“Gladiator virtues” like bravery, integrity and vision can help your company rise from mediocre to extraordinary.
Remember the heart-pounding, soul-stirring message of the movie Gladiator? Remember how Maximus, the Russell Crowe character, rallied his men around him and led them to victory, even in the face of almost certain defeat? Remember his “envision the goal” technique for getting through the horrors of battle? Now, consider the leadership in your own company.
Any gladiators in the ranks? Are you a gladiator?
Here are eight virtues of Gladiator Leadership.
1. Gladiators have a mission for which they feel real passion. Call it a purpose, an obsession, a calling: whatever the terminology, good leaders have a defining mission in their life.
2. Gladiators create a vision. Having and communicating a clear picture of a future goal will lead to its achievement. Dare to think great!
3. Gladiators lead from the front—they don’t dictate from the back. Working “in the trenches” shows you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, it helps you fully understand the issues your “soldiers” are facing, and inspires loyalty in your troops.
4. Gladiators know there is strength in teams. While the gladiator leader has the skills to draw people together, he doesn’t hog the spotlight. He has care and compassion for his team and wants every member to be recognized for his or her efforts.
5. Gladiators encourage risk-taking. If a company does not examine its way of doing things, if it does not push out its boundaries, if it never makes mistakes, it may become road kill.
6. Gladiators keep their heads in a crisis. Business leaders must do the same. They must take a position and defend it when things go awry.
7. Gladiators prepare for battle 24 hours a day. Business leaders, likewise, must be obsessed with training and developing their people in good times and bad. People need and want to hone their individual skills and “sharpen their swords.”
8. Gladiators are teachers and mentors. In today’s rapidly changing environment, leaders must also teach and train those who may soon replace them.
Gregory P. Smith is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and business performance consultant. He is the President of a management-consulting firm called, Chart Your Course International, located in Durham, North Carolina. Phone him at 770-860-9464. Sign up for his free Navigator Newsletter and get new business ideas every month.