The Force Awakens: Leadership Styles of Star Wars

RL11-09-2015Star Wars has inspired and energized generation after generation—and not just through entertainment, but through underlying themes. And one of the most prevalent themes throughout the George Lucas saga is the effect leadership has on the overall story line. From mentor/mentee relationships to strong-willed personalities to the evolution of young leaders into game-changers, Star Wars is a treasure trove of leadership advice.

In anticipation of the release of the new Star Wars film, “Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” we want to look into the different leadership styles showcased during this epic saga.

Darth Vader – The Domineering Leader

The quintessential villain, Darth Vader started as a good-hearted young man who wanted justice. Before evil took over, he was Anakin Skywalker, but he allowed his emotions to overcome him, and in the end became the symbol of injustice—the very thing he wanted to overcome. Vader’s leadership style is much like dictators in our modern epic. Regardless of what those who make up an organization want, he forces his will on to others through scare tactics and power.

“Episode VI: Return of the Jedi”
Darth Vader speaks with Jerjerrod, who is behind schedule on construction of the second Death Star.

Moff Jerjerrod: Lord Vader. This is an unexpected pleasure. We are honored by your presence.

Darth Vader: You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. I am here to put you back on schedule.

Jerjerrod: I assure you, Lord Vader, my men are working as fast they can.

Vader: Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.

The Emperor – The Behind the Scenes Controller

Though on the surface, Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader may seem similar, in execution they are completely different. While Vader lets his emotions drive his domineering leadership, the Emperor leads by taking advantage of other people’s shortcomings. In Episode III, we learn that it was the Emperor who pushed Anakin to become a Sith lord. Palpatine rules the empire in the shadows, controlling others to impart his will, while those being taken advantage of may feel like they’re serving the empire, they’re actually just serving the diabolical goals of the Emperor.

“Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back”
The Emperor does his bidding through Vader.

Darth Vader: What is thy bidding, my master?

Emperor: There is a great disturbance in the Force.

Darth Vader: I have felt it.

Emperor: We have a new enemy, the young rebel who destroyed the Death Star. I have no doubt this boy is the offspring of Anakin Skywalker.

Darth Vader: How is that possible?

Emperor: Search your feelings, Lord Vader. You will know it to be true. He could destroy us.

Darth Vader: He’s just a boy. Obi-Wan can no longer help him.

Emperor: The Force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi.

Darth Vader: If he could be turned, he will become a powerful ally.

Emperor: Yes. He would be a great asset. Can it be done?

Darth Vader: He will join us or die, my master.

Han Solo – Gut-Feeling Leadership

Cinema’s favorite anti-hero, Han Solo, was known more for flying by the seat of his pants and being more of a do-it-yourself leader as opposed to a team player. However, throughout Episodes IV-VI, Han learned how to work with others and put others ahead of him. But, what he learned as the best smuggler in the galaxy in his early life gave him the street smarts to lead with his gut. He was good at sniffing out a trap and helped give guidance to younger, more naïve rebels. His gut-feeling leadership led him quickly up the ranks in the Rebel Alliance. However, this gut feeling has been memorialized throughout the Star Wars saga. It seems like every character quotes this, but Han’s is timeless:

“Episode IV: A New Hope”
During a rescue attempt, Han, Luke, and Princess Leia find themselves in a trash compacter.

Han Solo: I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Obi-Wan Kenobi – Leading by Example  Through Experience

Obi Wan Kenobi, or as Luke Skywalker calls him, Ben Kenobi, was once a powerful Jedi who, like Anakin, had issues controlling his emotions in Episode 1. But through proper training, he learned to control his anger and soon became a good teacher to Anakin during his Padawan training. Though his training ultimately failed with Anakin, he later was able to help another emotion-led youngster—Luke Skywalker—to become the one who in the end would take down the Empire with the help of his rebel friends. Understanding his own struggles, Obi Wan was able to help lead others through his own experience in overcoming adversity.

“Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back”
Obi-Wan implores Yoda to train Luke to be a Jedi and appeals to Yoda’s memory of how Obi-Wan was once like Luke.

Yoda: I cannot teach him. The boy has no patience.

Obi-Wan: He will learn patience.

Yoda: Hmm. Much anger in him, like his father.

Obi-Wan: Was I any different when you taught me?

Yoda – The Teacher

Known as the wisest Jedi in the Star Wars universe, Master Yoda had a knack for raising up young Jedi to become the leaders of the future. Though he plays a major part in Episodes I-III, Yoda has the pivotal responsibility of training Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Through his wisdom and constant pressure, Luke became the Jedi he needed to be to help defeat Darth Vader and the Emperor.

“Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back”
Luke is in training. His X-wing is sinking in the swamp. Yoda asks him to move it with the Force.

Luke: Oh, no. We’ll never get it out now.

Yoda: So certain are you. Always with you it cannot be done. Hear you nothing that I say?

Luke: Master, moving stones around is one thing. This is totally different.

Yoda: No! No different! Only different in your mind. You must unlearn what you have learned.

Luke: All right, I’ll give it a try.

Yoda: No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.

What are your favorite leadership moments in the Star Wars saga? What new wisdom do you anticipate to learn in Episode VII: The Force Unleashed? Let us know in the comments section below!

2 Responses to The Force Awakens: Leadership Styles of Star Wars

  1. Monique E. November 16, 2015 at 11:40 am #

    Can we link to your blog post in our e-newsletter?

    • Refresh Leadership November 17, 2015 at 9:10 am #

      Absolutely! As long as the content isn’t reproduced or copy and pasted, we always welcome links to our blog!

Leave a Reply