Becoming a Better Leader by Emulating a Jedi

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Han Solo

Han Solo is the pilot of the Millennium Falcon and he used a directive approach to his leadership style. He wasn’t a “formal” leader of a team but people relied on him. People always knew where they stood with Han Solo as he was extremely direct not only in his leadership approach but also in communication. His expert power came from years of being a smuggler where he acquired a lot of experience allowing him to make split second decisions. When the spaceship is under attack, he shouts “We are under attack; I give the orders” illustrating how he makes decisions quickly and reinforcing his directive approach.

One of the main lessons learned from Han Solo is to trust my gut, but with caution. Many times I have to make split second decisions with imperfect information and rely on my gut. This can either serve me well or not. By becoming more adaptable, I can trust my gut more as I will be able to adjust to changes as they arise.

The second lesson from Han Solo is to be more direct. As a woman, it is easy to not be direct in communication or leadership approach in fear of hurting others. Even though times have changed, the perception in society still remains that women shouldn’t be too direct. Women are described as being “bossy” instead of being praised for having good leadership skills. These connotations have serious impacts as it precludes women in leadership positions, including myself, from being too direct. With all of that in mind, I still plan on becoming a more direct leader by eliminating certain words and phrases from my vocabulary especially when giving feedback. I will take a more direct approach when giving feedback by explaining the issues, highlighting the impacts of the issues, outlining the desired outcomes, and asking for people’s commitment. In leading with a direct approach, the chances of miscommunication will decrease as the message being delivered will not have any “mixed message” behind it.

Obi Wan Kenobi

Obi Wan Kenobi is a Jedi Master who served the Galactic Republic for many years. He was a mentor to both Anakin (aka Darth Vader) and Luke as he trained them in the ways of the Force. Obi Wan led by example through his experience. He had expert and referent power. He once struggled to learn the ways of the Force and through proper training mastered it and this is what he passes on to his pupils.

One of the biggest lessons I learned from this character is something that can be applied beyond a leadership scope. He says: “Who’s more foolish? The fool, or the fool who follows him?” Throughout the movies he is always empowering his pupils to think for themselves and that believing in someone should not lead you to have blind faith in them. This is such an important lesson as our managers, directors, VPs, have such an impact on our careers. Obi Wan has reinforced in me that I am completely to blame when I knowingly follow someone who has not earned my trust and respect whether in a personal or professional arena.

Another great lesson I take away from this character is to be more empathetic. He knows no two people experience the world in the same way and as leaders we must be in tune with this. Another one of his great quotes is “Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our point of view.” In becoming more emotionally intelligent, a leader must self-regulate. It is so easy to react quickly on impulse without analyzing the situation fully and picking up on all the external and internal factors. As a manager, I am really good at solving problems once they get to me and I sometimes don’t realize that my direct reports are just looking for advice or reassurance they are on the right track.

As I think more about the Jedi movement and all of its lessons, I plan to exercise more self-control. All of the four leaders I analyzed have provided me with tools and examples about how I should behave and act. All of their leadership approaches are situational and best suited for specific scenarios. Yoda’s teaching approach to leadership is great for when I have motivated individuals on a team that need more of a mentor than a manager, like scientists or engineers developing a new prototype. Darth Vader’s authoritarian approach is suited for when I have a team of new employees who will require more attention and guidance (no choking with the Force though), like college grads in their first jobs. Han Solo’s direct approach is suited during situations where direction should be given by one person to minimize confusion, such as a war zone, emergencies, or a project behind schedule rapidly approaching a deadline. From Obi Wan Kenobi, I learned how to be a better and more empathetic leader. He taught me to lead by example and to be cognizant to all of the human emotion and baggage people bring with them everyday into work.

A good leader is like a Jedi and that is in essence what my personal leadership theory is. To be more committed like Yoda, determined like Darth Vader, direct like Han Solo, and empathetic like Obi Wan. The Star Wars saga has always been so dear to me, and re-watching the movies with a leadership lenses and picking up on all of the great lessons it has to offer and how I can apply it in my own life has been priceless. I know becoming a Jedi is completely unrealistic but I can certainly learn from them.