Nearly every year I watch the movie Braveheart. This year was a little diff
erent. I watched it with my three sons for the first time. After watching it last year I shared a blog on three leadership lessons I saw in the movie which you can read here.
This year was no different. As I watched the movie for yet another time, I saw leadership lessons from the life of William Wallace that I hadn’t quite noticed before.
Passion
My favorite scene in the movie is before the battle of Stirling. Scottish clans are lined up ready for battle. As the English army lines up their courage falters and they start to leave. As they begin to leave, in rides William Wallace and inspires them with vision and passion to call them to fight. His final words before provoking a fight are:
“They can take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.”
As leaders we must have passion for what we are leading. As the leader we most likely care more than anyone else and think about it more than others. How do we transfer this same passion? We must be able to help people see more as we do. One way that is accomplished it genuine belief and clear communication of the vision that people can feel from us.
Wisdom
William Wallace is watching as his dad and older brother go off to fight the English. Before leaving young Wallace is sitting on his dad’s horse eager to go with him. As his dad pulls him down from the horse William says he can fight. After affirming his fighting ability he says:
“I know you can fight, but it’s our wits that make us men.”
His dad is killed and his Uncle Argyle raises him. Wallace who was eager to learn how to fight was first taught how to use his mind. He returns and has the wisdom to know when to fight and when to wait. Through time, knowledge, and experience leaders gain wisdom. Wallace was smart, but he knew how to apply that intelligence in practical ways to help Scotland win key battles.
People
Two main groups of Scottish existed: commoners and nobles. Wallace was one of the former. Though he was knighted and possibly tempted with lands and money, he would not take it. As his fame and success on the battlefield grew the nobles wanted him collaborate more closely with them. He refused to enter this quest for titles, land, and power. When asked to work with them he challenges the nobles stating:
“Your position exists to provide these people with freedom.”
Wallace had the hearts of the people. His passion was contagious because he lived out what he believed. His vision was crystal clear with a relentless pursuit of one thing. At his execution his final word exclaimed that one thing.
“Freedom!”
As leaders all three of the above are needed. Passion fuels us on the days we want to quit. Wisdom informs our decisions. Ultimately if we are trying to accomplish anything of significance it requires the hearts of the people. Are we living out what we are leading? Do we use the product? Do we serve alongside others in the cause? Are we willing to sacrifice to keep the vision alive? Big questions. Hard questions. Maybe you need someone to help you clarify your vision or help you break through the barriers to living into your passion as a leader. Contact me and let’s discover any way I may be able to help you raise your leadership level to be an even greater warrior for what you lead. Lead Well.
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Good article and great movie. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Thanks Sean. This is definitely my all time favorite and I see something new every time. I am glad it brought value to you. Feel free to share with others!