In the timeless Star Wars saga, we are presented with some of the wisest, most proverbial lessons in all of cinema. To some, these films are the I Ching to life’s most elusive questions: should I try to get my dream job? “Try not. Do or do not; there is no try.” Or better yet, the saga can help keep you in check: I did it! I finally passed the bar exam! “Great, kid. Don’t get cocky.” The Star Wars films have long been legend since the first few notes of the now all-familiar John Williams theme song resounded in 1977 at drive-ins across North America. Because of its epic reputation, we are going to look at how the films can help us better lead our businesses in the Path of the Jedi.
Episode IV: A New Hope
Princess Leia: The more you tighten your grip…the more star systems will slip through your fingers.
During the first part of A New Hope, Leia presents this truth to us: the tighter your grip, the looser your hold. Many business leaders have a hard time balancing the control they give their employees. One thing is for certain though, micromanagement has never encouraged creativity and productivity in the workplace. Understanding your workers need to have some control over company projects can help you be a better leader and keep you safe from an uprising from the rebellion.
Episode IV: A New Hope
Obi-Wan: Who’s the more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?
Han Solo and Obi-Wan Kenobi are planning how to get past the empire’s command ship in the Millennium Falcon. Han calls Kenobi a fool for suggesting he would take care of the tractor beam, which was keeping them from leaving. This is where the Jedi wisdom comes into play. Sometimes you need to seem foolish when leading a firm into the unknown. Discernment is key when leading or following others. If you are leading, make sure you are being smart with where you are taking your followers. On the other hand if you are following, make sure to decide if the leaders know where they’re going and if the end result doesn’t seem foolish.
Episode V: Empire Strikes Back
Luke: What’s in there?
Yoda: Only what you take with you.
One reoccurring theme throughout the films is that fear is a very strong emotion. It can be the beginning of more dangerous, damaging feelings. As Yoda says in Episode I, “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” The two Skywalker figures, Anakin and Luke, show the difference in handling fear. The former can’t handle the fear, lets it control him, and becomes Darth Vader. The latter overcomes the emotion and helps brings balance to the “Force.” When dealing with employees, office politics, or personal demons, make sure to stay positive and optimistic. If you go into a situation expecting the worst, then nine times out of 10 you will probably get the worst. But if you go in with confidence, you will most likely conquer the situation and bring balance to the Force…office.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Han Solo: A Jedi Knight? Geez, I’m out of it for a while, and everyone gets delusions of grandeur!
In the Star Wars timeline, Han Solo has just been brought out of carbonite-hibernation in an attempted rescue by an undercover-Leia. After being found and jailed, Chewbacca informs Han that Luke is now a Jedi Knight and is coming to save them. Instinctively, he debunks the notion for its apparent outlandishness. He credits Luke for having a larger-than-life view of himself. In this case, Luke really was a Jedi. But in most cases in the office, we are not. It is common for leaders to become prideful and vain, viewing their accomplishments as life-changing. Confidence is one thing, but overconfidence is another. It is very easy to get excited about a new promotion or praise awarded from a higher-up, but confidence with humility will do you better than delusions of grandeur.
Episode I-VI
Various Cast Members: I’ve got a bad feeling about this.
Throughout the saga, this phrase is reiterated in every film. Obi-Wan, Anakin, Luke, Han, Leia and even C-3PO say this while in tough spots. One thing is certain: their gut – or programing in C-3PO’s case – was correct. It is good to remember to trust those gut feelings. Instinctive feelings are innate in every one of us for a reason. They keep us from investing in that shady company, quitting our job and joining the circus, or my favorite, telling our significant others that those jeans make them look fat. Instinct is a beautiful thing. In business, it is good to gut-check everything before you decide to go through with it. Whether it is making budget cuts or new investments, if you’ve got a bad feeling about it then don’t do it.
May the Force Be With You
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or – heaven forbid – you have never seen the movies, taking a few lessons from characters living in a galaxy far, far away will help you find success in the office. Fear not, trust your instincts, and be confident in leading others. As the wise, Jedi master Yoda said, “Already know you that which you need.”
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