By Larry Broughton
The current political divisiveness in the U.S. and globally seems more reminiscent of blood sport than it has in decades. Lousy leadership, corrupt corporations, two-tier judicial systems, chaos on campuses, repugnant religious figures and moral degeneracy among the masses prove heartbreaking when we reflect too long on its impact. Many have wondered if art imitates life or if it’s the other way around.
Ridley Scott’s epic cinematic masterpiece, Gladiator, allows us to reflect on the timeless leadership lessons in the film.
With the recent release of the highly anticipated sequel, Gladiator II, highlighting Lucius (the grandson of former emperor Marcus Aurelius) upon us, let’s review the eight most weighty leadership lessons from the original film.
8. Lead by Example
From the opening battlefield sequence, protagonist Maximus Decimus Meridius personifies this virtue and sets the tone for the film. He doesn’t just bark orders from the safety of the sidelines; he’s alongside his men, offering words of encouragement and setting the tone. He’s in the thick of battle, sword in hand, rallying his troops with the famous cry, “Hold the line! Stay with me!” In the modern corporate arena, this means loosening your tie, grabbing your tools and jumping into the trenches alongside your team when the going gets tough.
As Maximus leads his men into battle, there’s no doubt he would never ask others to carry a burden he would not carry himself. Conversely, Commodus, the petulant and dishonorable son of the emperor, deliberately misses the battle, arriving after the victory has been secured at the great cost of life and limb.
He asks deceitfully, “Have I missed it? Have I missed the battle?”
His aged father and emperor, Marcus Aurelius, despite his frailty and declining health, who was also at the battle, replied with contempt: “You have missed the war.”
7. Inspire Teamwork
Maximus’s ultimate proving ground for team building is evident in the gladiatorial arena. He turns a ragtag gaggle of individual fighters from different backgrounds, cultures and stations into a cohesive unit defying all odds. Transformational leaders understand that inspiring teamwork towards a common mission often produces results greater than the sum of individual efforts.
6. Preserve Integrity
Though deeply betrayed and in the darkest valley of grief and loss, Maximus never compromises his values. For those in his charge and his sphere of influence, his relentless dedication to justice and honor serve as a shining lighthouse in the storm. While society seems to change loyalties at a whim, and moral ambiguities are revered, integrity remains the keystone to great leadership.
5. Embrace Change
Winston Churchill famously shared, “We must take change by the hand, or rest assuredly change will take us by the throat!” Maximus’s journey from general to slave to gladiator is a masterclass in embracing and adapting to change. Modern leaders must deal with a fast-paced, ever-changing corporate and political landscape. Success and survival depend on being able to pivot and welcome new reality.
4. Cultivate Resilience
The film is a testament to the might of resiliency. Maximus faces horrifying personal loss and professional disappointments, yet he fights on. Resilience distinguishes those who disintegrate under duress from those who are made stronger by adversity. Marcus Aurelius declared, “You have the power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Aurelius recognized that our thoughts shape our experiences, which then develops strength and resiliency to face adversity.
3. Respect and Appreciate Others
Regardless of rank, status or position, Maximus displays authentic respect for everyone around him. This is unmistakable in his interactions with leaders, mentors, soldiers and gladiators alike. Those who value the efforts and contributions of every team member create a more productive and positive environment.
2. Possess a Clear Vision
His clear, well-defined vision (first to return home to his farm and family, then to restore honor and justice to Rome) drives Maximus throughout the film. His actions are guided by this sense of purpose, which ultimately inspires others. Transformational leaders courageously express and pursue a clear and compelling vision that unites others. Courage stiffens the spine of others around us.
1. Love: The Ultimate Leadership Lesson
Perhaps the most important lesson from Gladiator is the power of love as the mainspring for leadership. His enduring love for family, his emperor and Rome itself permeates Maximus’s actions with passion and purpose. His strength to lead, inspire and ultimately give his life comes from his deep and abiding love.
The philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius knew this well, so he chose Maximus to succeed him in death rather than relinquishing the empire to his selfish, overly ambitious son, Commodus. Mutual respect and a love of Rome defined the emperor’s relationship with Maximus. This bond surpassed the conventional dynamic between ruler and subject to produce a partnership anchored in a greater good.
As we reflect on the timeless leadership lessons from Scott’s Gladiator, we remember that true leadership is eternal and enduring. It’s not about pursuing power or titles but inspiring others toward their greatest potential, preserving integrity and leading with heart.
These leadership lessons from Gladiator provide a novel viewpoint in today’s hectic, sometimes cynical corporate and political environment. They ask us to lead with our hearts and souls, as well as with our minds. To inspire not through threats, intimidation and authority, but by genuine concern for others.
Thus, as you negotiate your own leadership challenges, consider whether you’re leading like Maximus. Are you encouraging integrity, embracing change and inspiring teamwork? Above all, are you modeling love?
Though the business and political arena may differ from the Colosseum, the principles of transformational leadership are universal. It’s time to unleash the gladiator within and lead with courage, empathy and unflinching commitment to your vision. More than ever, the world longs for leaders like this! Are you ready to enter the arena?
Larry Broughton is a leadership mentor, former U.S. Army Green Beret, award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author and keynote speaker. CBS News has called Broughton “the nation’s foremost expert on leadership and entrepreneurship.” He has been named among the “Top 10 Speakers in North America” by LA Weekly. For more information, visit LarryBroughton.com.
Explore articles for the Veteran Community here.
