Yoda as a business role model

I've written before about my young kids' obsession with "Star Wars." But now that I've watched all six episodes multiple times, I'm finally getting a grip on the story and how it fits together.

The most interesting character to me is Yoda. Through nearly all the episodes he sits placidly, strokes his chin, and speaks wisdom in his inverted grammar. He thinks, he meditates, he guides. He is the Jedi-est of the Jedis, winning through not fighting.

But at the end of Episode Two: Attack of the Clones, Yoda gets moving. He flies to Geonosis and commands the Clone Army in its battle against Count Dooku's troops. And, finally, with Obi-Wan and Anakin injured and at risk of dying at Dooku's hands, he uses the Force to prevent them being crushed by falling debris and whips out the light saber to battle Dooku, eventually forcing his retreat.

A Jedi needs to think, to prepare. But eventually he has to fight. So it is with leaders of businesses here on Earth. Strategizing, planning, directing are all important. But eventually you've got to roll up the sleeves and get to work side-by-side with your team, whether that's making an important sale, managing a crisis or closing that round of funding.

leadership, strategy, management