From the Page to the Boardroom: Uncovering Leadership Lessons from Literature

As Professor Badaracco, Harvard Business School's Professor of Business Ethics, aptly puts it, "You can learn as much about leadership from Julius Caesar as you would from reading any business book or academic journal." I couldn’t agree more. Professor Badaracco’s innovative approach to leadership education incorporating literary analysis has inspired me and influences my own leadership and voice coaching practice.  With this in mind, I'm excited to announce the launch of my monthly series exploring literary works for their leadership lessons.  

This month, we're delving into Alfred Lord Tennyson's epic poem "Ulysses." Through the voice of Ulysses, the poem explores the challenges and triumphs of a man who has lived a full life but is not content to retire and rest. There are number of key lessons that leaders can learn from this work. Here's my take on the wisdom this classic work has to offer leaders! 

Lesson 1:  It’s never too late to learn:  As leaders, we are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve, innovate, and drive change. One of the best ways to do this is by embracing continuous learning. 

Ulysses' words, "tis not too late to seek a newer world," are just as relevant today as they were when Tennyson wrote them.  He urges us to never become complacent “How dull it is to pause, to make an end,/To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!”; instead, he encourages us to seek new challenges and opportunities to grow: “all experience is an arch wherethro’/Gleams that untravelled world whose margin fades /For ever and forever when I move.” As leaders we may be successful but we can’t afford to rest on our laurels, to stay ahead of the curve, we need to seek new experiences and always be willing to learn. 

Lesson 2: Be persistent: Persistence is the hallmark of great leaders. Ulysses' unwavering determination "to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield" encapsulates this essential quality. True leaders rise above obstacles, stay laser-focused on their goals, and motivate their teams to do the same. By cultivating an unrelenting, never-say-die mindset, great leaders achieve extraordinary feats and inspire others to do the same. 

Lesson 3: Dare to embrace adventure: Despite the daunting nature of taking calculated risks and venturing into uncharted territories, Ulysses implores us to "pursue knowledge like a sinking star." Exceptional leaders aren't afraid to lead by example and foster a culture of experimentation. By boldly embracing the unknown and seizing new opportunities, leaders position themselves to blaze new trails for growth within their teams, organizations, and the world at large. 

Lesson 4: Lead with unwavering purpose: Purpose is the cornerstone of exceptional leadership. Ulysses is driven by an unrelenting desire to "follow knowledge like a sinking star, beyond the utmost bound of human thought." He possesses a clear sense of purpose and communicates it to his crew. When leaders establish and communicate a clear purpose, their teams become more motivated, engaged, and productive. Ulysses' unwavering commitment to his purpose inspires his crew to join him on his journey, willing to confront the perils and challenges ahead because they share his sense of purpose. 

Lesson 5: Demonstrate genuine empathy: True leaders show empathy and compassion towards their team. Ulysses forges a deep connection with his crew, demonstrating this by saying, "Come, my friends, 'tis not too late to seek a newer world." He understands the importance of motivating and inspiring his team to push forward. Leaders who display empathy, foster meaningful relationships with their team, and articulate a bold vision are best equipped to achieve success together. As evidenced by Tennyson's Ulysses and Shakespeare's Henry V, leaders who lead with empathy can inspire their team to triumph against the odds. 

In summary, Tennyson's 'Ulysses' imparts timeless lessons on leadership, spanning from the importance of lifelong learning and perseverance to daringly embracing adventure, leading with unwavering purpose, and demonstrating genuine empathy towards your team.  

As leaders, we cam always reflect on these principles to elevate our leadership practice and inspire our teams towards greater success. To fully appreciate the poem's wisdom, you can watch Helen Mirren read an extract here and let its message resonate with you: https://you.tu.be/aJbJ7FI 

If you have a favourite literary work that teaches valuable leadership lessons, please share it in the comments. Let's learn and grow together. 

#continuouslearning #professionaldevelopment #leadership #findingpurpose #leadershipvoice #leadershiplessons