Chapter 14: Studying Great Leaders and Staying Alert
Part of the 'Mind of a Leader 1' series
In chapter XIV in ‘The Prince’: ‘Of the duties of a prince in relation to military matters’ Machiavelli a.o. specifies that a prince should have no other thought or object so much at heart, and make no other thing so much his especial study, as the art of war and the organisation and discipline of his army; for that is the only art that is expected of him who commands. And he should study it in time of peace as much as in actual war. This can be done by practical exercise, and by scientific study. A prince must not only keep his troops well disciplined and exercised, accustomed to hardships, he should also read history, and therein study the actions of eminent men and examine the causes of their victories and defeats, so that he may imitate the former and avoid the latter. But above all he should follow the example of a distinguished man he may have chosen for his model; assuming that someone has been specially praised, and always keep his deeds and actions before him.
To what extent do Machiavelli’s thoughts apply to the roles and responsibilities of modern leaders from different countries, cultures and trades? How important is it to study great leaders and to stay alert?
Discover The Mind of a Leader…
Participants:
Mads Øvlisen
Torben Ballegaard Sørensen
Nicolas Winding Refn
Bengt Baron
Dame Anita Roddick
Michael S. Dukakis
Pat Boone
Tony Visconti
Richard Valdemar
- Chapter 11: Untouchable Positions and Institutions
- Chapter 12: The Use of Consultants
- Chapter 13: Outsourcing & Strategic Alliances
- Chapter 14: Studying Great Leaders and Staying Alert
- Chapter 15: Popularity & Efficiency
- Chapter 16: Managing the Expectation of Benefits
- Chapter 17: Management by Fear
- Chapter 18: Personal Appearance
- Chapter 19: Delivering Good & Bad News
- Chapter 1: Fortune & Ability
- Chapter 20: Those Who Supported The Former Ruler
- Chapter 21: Enterprises, Greatness & Public Diversion
- Chapter 22: Personal Assistants
- Chapter 23: Flatterers & Truthful Advisors
- Chapter 24: Judging Hereditary Leaders
- Chapter 25: Preparation for Bad Fortune
- Chapter 26: The Basis for a Comeback
- Chapter 2: The Successor
- Chapter 3: External Organisations & Markets
- Chapter 4: Organisational Structure
- Chapter 5: Mergers & Acquisitions
- Chapter 6: Readiness, Opportunity & Action
- Chapter 7: Turning Trouble-shooters into scapegoats
- Chapter 8: Carrying Out Good and Bad Initiatives
- Chapter 9: Close relations to all levels in the organisation
- Mind of a Leader, The