Or Why You Should Take Lessons in Leading from the Dark Lord of the Sith this Star Wars Day
If you are wondering who the Dark Lord of the Sith is then you have probably never seen any of the Star Wars films. And since that is not illegal (yet), you need to know that the aim of this post is to give you some insight into the skills and qualities of one of the best leaders in the world of fiction – Darth Vader. While it’s difficult to see him as anything other than a fiend, he did have a good side. Read on to see why Vader was a leadership rock-star and what we can learn from him.
Mentors
Vader had great training and qualifications relevant for his leadership role. To put it simply, he learnt from the best. In the process of becoming Darth Vader, he had sought out a variety of influential and powerful mentors who themselves were respected leaders. He backed up his natural leadership qualities with an extensive base of knowledge and experience.
Performance management
“You may dispense with the pleasantries, commander. I am here to put you back on schedule”
Although being usually perceived as the ultimate villain, it needs to be said that Darth Vader was stern but fair. The main virtue he sought in the members of his team was the ability to contribute to the ongoing projects and to always keep a level of high-quality work. Indeed, he did censure those who were not performing well, but he also praised and rewarded those who excelled. In this sense, Lord Vader had a perfect grasp on team management and constantly monitored and evaluated the performance of those around him, taking the necessary measures to improve team work when necessary.
Vision
Join me, and together, we can rule the galaxy as father and son!
One of the reasons why Darth Vader was performing well (after all, within in about 20 years he built an enormous space station with the power to destroy a whole planet), was that he was extremely focused and knew his priorities. He also knew how to communicate his vision to others, and motivate them to join him.
Team Focus
Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.
Darth Vader understood that has could not work solo, but needed the support of a team. He constantly assessed the skills and abilities of his team members, intending to build the strongest and most powerful team possible.
Rest and Recovery
No leader works 24/7 without a minute for themselves, not even Darth Vader. When he was sure that everything is under control, Vader usually retreated to his chambers where he relaxed, meditated, re-charged and took some time to clear his mind and give rest to his body. Being a former Jedi Knight and a current Sith Lord (both of which were based on martial arts and the philosophy of Asian spirituality), Darth Vader knew only too well that to be productive and efficient, he needed to restore his organism after a hard day at work. He took care of himself so he could produce the best results possible.
As you can see, Darth Vader is a perfect example of the successful leader with some distinctly ‘winning’ qualities. A great team manager, Vader knew how to establish mutual respect between those involved in the ‘organisation.’ He was a great team manager and a hard worker. His tactics might have been a little ‘dodgy’ but there is no doubt that his purpose was sound. For all these reasons we count the Dark Lord of the Sith high in our list of leaders we can pear from– as long as these do not include building Death Stars or blowing up planets.
About Sonia McDonald
POWER SESSION OFFER ONLY $95
Due to an overwhelming response to my last Power Session I have decided to run more sessions! The focus of these new Power Sessions will be LEADERSHIP brand, how to make yourself shine and how to put yourself out there. Book now!
JOIN OUR FREE SMS LEADERSHIP TOOL! #ATTITUDE
We want to create a world of Great Leaders and that is why this FREE SMS Leadership Tool has been designed for YOU. We would love your feedback on our New SMS Tool – sign up today by sending a SMS #attitude to 0429 398 095 (Australia) and we will make you ROCK as a Leader. Remember #attitude to 0429 398 095
Connect with Sonia at:
1300 719 665 or +61 424 447 616
leadership course
leadership course free trial online
leadership course harvard business school
leadership courses for managers
basic leadership course
leadership crash course
online leadership course
leadership courses melbourne
leadership courses sydney
management and leadership course online free trial
leadership skills online course free trial
strategic leadership free online course trial
leadership development programs harvard business school
organizational leadership course
strategic leadership course
leadership training courses for managers
leadership courses for new managers
leadership courses for project managers
leadership courses for middle managers
leadership courses for senior managers
best leadership courses for managers
leadership development program for managers
leadership training program for managers
leadership program for new managers
leadership reaction course events
leadership reaction course manual
leadership reaction course army
leadership reaction course ideas
leadership reaction course answers
leadership reaction course solutions
leadership reaction course ocs
leadership reaction course usmc
basic leadership course requirements
basic leadership course reflective essay
online leadership courses
online leadership courses queensland
online leadership courses free trial
online leadership courses with certificate
online leadership courses for high school students
online leadership courses australia
leadership and management courses online free
leadership training videos online free
free leadership courses online australia
harvard online leadership courses free
free nursing leadership courses online
free online leadership courses for high school students
leadership courses melbourne online
leadership courses melbourne
leadership training melbourne
leadership programs melbourne
womens leadership courses melbourne
womens leadership courses sydney
womens leadership courses brisbane
womens leadership courses adelaide
executive leadership courses melbourne
executive leadership courses sydney
executive leadership courses brisbane
executive leadership courses adelaide
leadership development courses sydney
leadership courses workshops sydney
leadership course sydney
leadership coaching course sydney
leadership course north sydney
leadership and management courses sydney
leadership and management short courses
women in leadership
programs for women
keynote speaker
motivational speaker
emerging leaders
courageous leadership
sonia mcdonald
courses for women
executive coach
leadership coach
advisor