I am huge fan of the Marvel Studios movies with Iron Man being my personal favorite to date. Like millions of people, I had been anticipating the release of the Black Panther for months.
I was curious to see how this character, his powers and his country would be portrayed on the big screen. But mostly, I wanted to be enthralled in the intense battle of good versus bad, hero versus villan.
Watching the movie, I was allured into the fantasy world of Wakanda and its charming leaders. I embraced the beauty of the landscape, admired the ornate outfits, and was dazzled by the shiny technology rooms.
I held on to every moment until the very end.
The experience was breath-taking.
Just when I thought the movie had given its all … I was captivated by T’Challa words, “In times of crises, the wise build bridges and the foolish build barriers.”
Suddenly, I found myself replaying the movie from a leadership bias. What else, I wondered, did the Black Panther offer on leadership greatness?
Here are my take-aways.
1. Leaders are self-aware. Repeatedly the men in the movie revealed their identity and lineage when asked the question, “who are you?’
Being self-aware builds confidence. It allows you to be assured of your strengths and character when others do not know you or your capabilities.
2. Leaders must be self-differentiated. King T’Challa understood the difference between himself, his father and other leaders. He was willing to stand on his own virtues and merit.
He was interested in creating his own legacy rather than maintaining the status quo.
3. Leaders accept responsibility. The key to accepting responsibility is first knowing and understanding the expectations. General Nakia and King T’Challa frequently stated and reminded each other of their responsibilities.
Their subsequent actions spoke volumes of their character and commitment to leading with integrity.
4. Leaders need a loyal and honest inner circle. Having wise counsel is a leadership imperative. Without question, leaders need to trust their inner circle to provide unbiased insights and to stand with them regardless of successes or failures.
T’Challa knew he could count on many of the leaders that served his father. Yet, he also knew he needed to include some of his peers as his personal advisors.
5. Leaders face adversity with courage. From pursuing the Claw to the ritual challenge day battles, T’Challa did not back down from adversity.
He faced his challenges with skill, wisdom and strength.
6. Leaders love all mankind. Okoye expressed great empathy for the people of Wakanda and beyond. She longed for Wakanda to be a world leader in advancing the well-being of impoverished nations.
King T’Challa was described as a good king and he displayed compassion for his enemies and those injured in battled.
7. Leaders protect the team. General Nakia kept a watchful eye on King T’Challa and rushed to his aide in times of danger. She knew his vulnerabilities and was poised to step in as the situation demanded.
8. Leaders need a sense of humor. A smile and a hearty laugh will certainly lighten the load. Leaders who bring enjoyment to others are admired by their team members.
M’Baku captures our heart by infusing humor in unexpected times.
9. Leaders have supportive families. There is a saying “heavy is the head that wears the crown.” A supportive and loving family understands the weight of leadership and works to ensure the leader’s success.
Indeed, family is the leader’s greatest cheerleader.
What leadership lessons did you learn from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther movie? Please share your thoughts in the comments section, I’d love to hear from you.
Evelyn Summerville
