How can we learn more about leadership by following examples from one of our favorite series? Here are some lessons you can take from Middle Earth. Read the full post here.

1)       Little people can accomplish big things. – When Frodo and Sam are tasked with destroying the ring, it seems like an insurmountable task, but we learn that despite being small, they can accomplish big things with the right tools and support. Don’t overlook those around you. Instead look for new ways people can contribute to your team and encourage them to succeed.

2)       Delegate and Enable. – Good leaders delegate, then enable their teams to perform. Gandalf never tries to destroy the ring himself. Instead he enables Frodo and Sam to complete their task by removing all sorts of obstacles that would see them fail. He seeks council from the powerful wizard Saruman, fights off the Balrog monster, and enlists the help of Théoden, King of Rohan. As a leader, your job is not to micromanage. Your job is to find the obstacles hindering your team, and remove them. Oftentimes, just by asking your team, they can tell you what would help them do their job better. Other times, your team might not know there is a better way to do things. In this case it’s your job to learn about alternatives. This could mean finding a better tool, a new technology, or an upgraded software. Become an enabler, not a doer.

3)       Leadership begets power. Power does not necessarily beget good leadership. - In the city of Minas Tirith, the Steward of Gondor is the highest power in the land. But despite his power, he leads the city to ruin as a result of his own insecurities and his inability to lead when times are tough. Conversely, Aragorn, a lonely Ranger of the North, is the archetype of a great leader. He demands the best from those around him, knows his own limits (he also rejects the ring) and puts the good of the whole above his own happiness and welfare. His quiet ability to lead men and gain their loyalty leads him to great power, and he uses it responsibly, leveraging it to benefit others.

4)       Good leaders lead through respect, not fear. – Gandalf, Aragorn, and Legolas all inspire others and lead through respect. Fear is a very limited motivation tool, and ultimately those...

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