Remembering Leonidas

Dear One,

Remember Leonidas? The brave Spartan king who stood ground with 300 of his bravest men against the thousands of Persians warriors in the bloodiest battle of Thermopylae.

In all, 7000 spartans fiercely defended their small country of Greece against the mammoth onslaught of a power hungry Persian Emperor - Xerxes. They knew they were fighting a lost battle. but the Spartans kept on till the last man standing.

Today, if anyone remembers King Leonidas (courtesy the movie 300), he is remembered for being one of the greatest warriors history has ever known. He claimed a rightful place for himself in the annals of history, for his matchless courage.

What made a handful of Spartans give sleepless nights to countless persians? We shall see.

In today's corporate battlefield too, there is no dearth of Xerxes wannabes. Every boss wants to suck more blood. They are power thirsty and will stop at nothing to strike a lucrative deal. They don't think twice to chop down their adversaries to bits by their sharp tongues and nasty manipulative schemes. You either with them or you against them, no chance for being neutral.

This is the 21st century bloodless bath of the powerful. So who is the one, who has the might to stand against this corporate tyrant? Who is the redeemer of the oppressed? More so, what qualities or strengths does he need to possess, to wage an epic battle against the dark mighty forces of modern day business bureaucracy.

Watch 300 again. You will find hidden clues to prepare yourself for today's corporate battle. For starters -

- Train, Train and Train some more. Training is very important for today's corporate warriors. You have to be skilled to the teeth and you should know how to use your best tools in time of need. Sharpen your sword of knowledge every single day. Every blow has to be a death blow. Every move has to be a checkmate.

- Build a tribe. Assemble a group of like minded people who shall dedicate themselves for a common cause and who will stand for you. A leader is nothing without his followers. Learn to lead like a King. Just and courageous; but when situation demands, willing to sacrifice his own head (Ego) and not of anyone else. Lead by strict example.

- Study your enemy. Half the battle will be won if you know the mind of your enemy. Study - Prepare - Plan - Execute - Followthrough - Study again. This is the corporate battle mantra. Make a game plan and try different variations of the same game. Remember if you lose a sword, you should have a spear to fight with.

- Face your own fears. This is the most important lesson a modern warrior has to learn. Come face to face with your own demons and defeat them once and for all. No excuses. No reasons. No fall outs. Take full responsibility for your own actions and that of your tribe.

- Make the team self sufficient. Today's corporate warrior has a limited life span in a company. Leave a seal of incorrigible leadership on each of your team members. They shall remember you long after you are dead and gone. They shall recount and carry your legacy forward.

Remember, it took 7000 men to fight a brutal war at Thermopylae, but one Leonidas to bring them together and inspire them to sacrifice their lives for their country. That is legendary leadership.

Leaders are not extraordinary men or women. In fact, they are ordinary men and women just like you who chose to stand up and lead in extraordinary situations. They took the responsibility where others simply fled or gave up. Do you have it in you to become a legend?

For Victory! For Spartans! For you!