"Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared*.
Many, many years ago a military leader led his army into a crucial battle. His army was greatly outnumbered. His army faced an enemy on its homeland…a skilled enemy, an enemy determined to protect its home and people. The leader’s army was tired from fighting years of campaigns in foreign lands. His forces were demoralized by the loud celebrations screaming from the enemy’s huge encampment.
The leader’s commanders approached him, expressing their grave concerns and their fears about the utter defeat they most-certainly faced.
The leader agreed with every concern his commanders expressed.
Yet, the leader assured his commanders they would triumph.
The leader envisioned victory.
The leader only envisioned victory.
The commanders asked the leader how he could have such confidence of victory when he knew his army was outmatched in every critical area.
The leader responded – we will win because we have one thing our enemy does not have…we have me.
According to the records of history – that is how Alexander the Great inspired his commanders and his army to conquer even the most-challenging parts of the world 23 centuries ago.
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Now, that story may be fact or it may be legend.
Regardless, it remains as a defining picture of a leader who set the standard for military excellence.
Alexander the Great led with Vision and he led by example.
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Today, such ego-heavy leadership would be frowned upon.
However, we can benefit from understanding the following about
Alexander the Great
- He had a Vision – conquering the known world
- He clearly communicated that Vision – his commanders and his troops knew exactly what he envisioned
- He led by example – his horse charging ahead, compelling his army to keep up
Footnote:
- "Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared. That’s the title of the 2nd workshop in our 6-workshop Leaders’ Academy series.