I remember sitting in a movie theater in Mexico twenty-five years ago when I was first captivated by the story of William Wallace as told in the movie Corazon Valiente or Braveheart as we know it in English.
This still is my all-time favorite movie. What about this movie inspires me? Many lessons, but here are a few that relate to all of us as leaders:
Courage
When this movie begins a young William Wallace has lost his father at the hands of an evil English king. Shortly after his death he has a vision of his dad who says:
“Your heart is free, now have the courage to follow it.”
Although I’ve watched this many times, I still wonder what his heart is free from, but here is the leader’s lesson. What is the dream deep inside that has been held back out of fear? Maybe a fear of failure or a fear of success. This could be a personal dream, a dream for how you can make an impact in the world through your work or what you lead or something else. When we step forward oftentimes in faith, we gain the courage that will free our heart to live our purpose.
Wisdom
“First learn to use this, then learn to use this.” Uncle Argyle
Those are the wise words of William’s uncle on the evening before taking him away from his home after his father’s death. The first “this” is his brain and the second is the sword. If you have a personality like me you may tend to enter into battle quickly. That battle may be a fight for your idea or your position or . . . .
Wisdom is knowledge applied and takes time to gain. With wisdom from the experiences of life we will know what battles to fight and how to fight them well. First ask questions to gain wisdom, then fight fiercely when appropriate.
Freedom
If you have seen this movie then you know the epic scene on the fields of Stirling. As the English army arrives, the troops become discouraged and are giving up before the battle has begun. Wallace and his army ride in and he inspires the men who are afraid of death by stating:
“They can take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.”
Later after winning this battle Wallace confronts the nobles challenging their constant squabble over land and power. He fiercely reminds these nobles that their position exists to provide the people with freedom. In whatever we lead are we empowering and giving freedom to those we lead or oppressing them? Leaders at work and at home have a responsibility to fight for the freedom of those we lead helping them live and work to their full potential.
True Leadership
“Men don’t follow titles, they follow courage.” William Wallace to Bruce
Wallace learns of an imminent attack by the English at Falkirk and he approaches the nobles asking them for unity. Bruce who is the heir to the Scottish throne pulls Wallace aside trying to talk him out of the battle and into compromise. As a noble he is encouraged to hide in the safety of compromise and comfort instead of living a life of bravery and courage.
Wallace sees leadership differently.
He and the commoners are living out of a passion for freedom and courage to fight against all odds while the nobles with positions would rather be safe and comfortable looking out only for their needs. True leadership will call us to stand up and therefore stand out. This necessitates courage. Where do you need to be more courageous in your leadership at work or home?
Living for Something Greater
Near the end of the movie the Princess of Wales visits William in prison begging him to ask the king for mercy so he can live. She does not want to watch him suffer nor die. Wallace makes a simple statement:
“Every man dies, but not every man lives.”
With death staring him in the face he had a singular vision he was willing to die for . . . the freedom of his people.
Here lies the ultimate question: is what we are living for worth dying for? Is your vision for your work, business, or family giving you life? Are you living for a greater purpose or dying a little bit every day?
Friend, there are a lot of lessons here. How can you live differently as a leader so you can live with bravery, courage, and boldness living for something greater? Need help thinking into this? Contact me. In the meantime, lead well.
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