Almost every year around this time we watch the Lord of the Rings series. The story is so intricate I seem to learn something new every time. Recently as I was watching the first movie in the series, I spotted three leadership principles.
For those of you familiar with the movie you may know what I reference with each of these ideas, but those of you who are not you will see at the bottom I have provided a link to the scene which prompted the idea.
Have a Community of Support
A small hobbit has inherited a ring of power that has the power to do great evil. At this point a group of individuals are gathered determining what to do with this ring. (video 1 below) During an argument about how to destroy the ring Frodo, the hobbit, volunteers to carry the ring into Mordor to destroy it and save the world. 
After volunteering to carry the ring, eight other people determine to support him on this treacherous journey. They, and he, know this is not a journey that can be taken alone. These individuals understood what John Maxwell said in The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork:
“If you want to do something big, you must link up with others.”
Frodo’s mission was enormous, and the leadership burden he had to carry required a team around him. As leaders if we don’t need a team around us, I would suggest we may need to look for a bigger vision. The vision can be overwhelming and feel like a burden so we need others around us on the journey.
Have a Guide
Gandalf, a wise old wizard, had been friends with Frodo and his uncle for years. He was the one who helped him arrive at this point in the elf land of Rivendell. The team has assembled and they are following Frodo as he exits the gate. (video 2 below) At the exit point there is a crossing road and Frodo whispers to Gandalf “left or right.”
Frodo knew he had to be the leader and the team was ready to follow him, but he was leading in faith and needed a mentor by his side. That mentor was Gandalf. Gandalf knew the path to Mordor because he had seen it.
As a leader you may have the vision and are excited by what you want to accomplish, but deep down realize your knowledge and experience is limited. Every successful leader has someone in their inner circle who has been down the path before and can guide them at crucial moments to make the best decision. Evaluate your closest relationships. Who in your inner circle can guide you when you are at a crossroads?
Have an Encourager
The team has fallen apart because of the enemy and Frodo has realized his path is diverging from the rest. He launches off in his canoe to reach the trail across the river when his friend Sam comes running into the water willing to drown and not abandon him. (video 3 below) After pulling him up into the boat Frodo, who was ready to go alone, realizes he has a great encourager at his side.
Leadership is not easy and we are often tempted to go alone even in a community. Sam was the person in Frodo’s life who helped him carry the burden. He could not carry the ring because that was Frodo’s burden to bear. He could encourage him when he was down, carry him when he was weak, be a voice of truth when others were trying to take him off his course, and be a friend who he could be honest with.
My friend, if you are reading this I know you have a leadership burden you carry. It could be at work, in your community, or in your home. Do not carry the burden alone. Who in your life is your encourager, your guide, and your community? The leadership journey is hard, your vision is worth it, but do not journey alone. If I can serve you in any way let’s connect. Lead well.
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Community of Support
A Guide
An Encourager