I confess. I’m a not-so-closet Star Wars fan. I loved The Force Awakens in the theater and can’t wait to get it on Blu-Ray.
Star Wars always has a myriad of lessons across its entire universe. Here’s my take on some leadership lessons Star Wars presents leaders with:
1. Lead or lead not. There is no try.
I’m misquoting. But the point is there. If you’re in charge, be in charge. And know that the people you are leading are counting on you.
2. Watch out for your inner Han Solo
Don’t get me wrong; I love the original space pirate. But that guy was all about himself. Leia tells him, “I love you,” and he says, “I know.” Being a leader doesn’t equal it being all about you.
3. Do not turn into Darth Vader
Darth Vader was basically a bully who could use The Force. Doesn’t like what you say or do? Let me Force-choke you back in line. Can’t get the job done without supervision? “I’m here to get you back on schedule.”
He’s the worst kind of leader; the one that leads by fear.
Be a good listener. Trust your people.
4. When it’s time to fight evil (or obstacles), it’s okay to do it yourself
Who knew that Yoda was such a lightsaber-wielding, Rafiki-channeling, Jedi badass until we hit that scene in Revenge of The Sith? Instead of just being the head of the Jedi Council and “just a teacher,” he steps up to the plate to do what is right.
5. Use The Force
What I mean here is trust and believe in yourself as a leader. Don’t let fear rule or paralyze you. Fascination is kind of like using The Force. How you communicate and lead is part and parcel of who you are. It could be said that it surrounds us, penetrates us and binds the galaxy (you) together.