Mastering Leadership: Timeless Lessons from Obi-Wan Kenobi for Today's Leaders
December 16, 2024
Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the best leaders in all of cinema.
In fact, the leadership demonstrated by the Jedi Master provides a much-needed example for today's business leaders. In this article, I'll explore seven powerful leadership lessons we can learn from Obi-Wan Kenobi.
And of course, there are hundreds of Obi-Wan stories, but I’ll be focusing on his appearance in the original Star Wars: A New Hope.
#7 - He Allows His Followers the Freedom to Fail
When Obi-Wan meets Luke Skywalker, he offers sage guidance while respecting Luke's autonomy to make his own choices.
For example, Obi-Wan encourages Luke to join him on the journey to Alderaan, understanding that this mission is crucial not only for the fate of the galaxy but also for Luke's personal growth and development. Luke is resistant. He calmly reasons with Luke as to why it’s the right decision, encouraging him to learn about the force. Again, Luke is resistant.
Obi-Wan doesn’t argue or force Luke to go with him, stating, “you must do what you feel is right, of course.”
Eventually Luke does choose to leave his home planet of Tatooine and embrace his destiny, but Obi-Wan allows it do be his own decision.
This is incredibly important because when you save others you rob them of the opportunity to grow. Great leaders don’t micromanage. They give those in their care the freedom to flourish and the opportunity to fail.
#6 – He’s Calm and Collected Under Pressure
The Jedi Master remains cool and reassuring, even when faced with challenging situations.
When the Millennium Falcon is suddenly caught in the Death Star’s tractor beam and our heroes are being pulled toward certain doom, Obi-Wan stays calm. He doesn’t sugar coat the situation, telling Han Solo, “you can’t win – but there are alternatives to fighting."
Even when Obi-wan is dueling Darth Vader, facing his inevitable death, he remains calm.
Staying positive and collected is essential for leaders because emotions are contagious. The best leaders stay positive and smile often. They aren’t overly emotional. They’re predictable, solid rocks in whom their team members can rely.
#5 – He Doesn’t Provide All the Answers
When Luke is trying to understand his past and future, Obi-wan doesn’t give him all the answers. He provides Luke the information he needs, not the information he wants. He allows Luke the freedom to discover on his own.
(Of course, you can certainly criticize Obi-Wan for being a little deceptive about the identity of Luke’s father. Indeed, good leaders never lie to others).
People typically learn best when they discover the answer themselves. Good leaders know this.
Yes, there are times in which giving a clear, direct answer is essential. But the best leaders often answer questions with questions. They challenge their followers and often let them discover the answers themselves.
#4 – He Encourages His Followers
Obi-Wan repeatedly encourages Luke, affirming his belief in him. For instance, after Luke successfully taps into the force for the first time, he congratulates him, saying, "That's good! You've taken your first step into a larger world."
If you seek to become a great leader you must encourage those in your care. As leadership expert John Maxwell says, "If you are a leader, you should never forget that everyone needs encouragement. And everyone who receives it – young or old, successful or less-than-successful, unknown or famous – is changed by it."
Everyone needs to be uplifted. The finest leaders seize every opportunity to uplift and inspire those under their guidance.
#3 - He Freely Shares His Wisdom
The Jedi Master has great wisdom to share with our heroes throughout their journey. "Your eyes can deceive you; don't trust them!" he says as he teaches Luke the limitations of his physical senses and the potential of the force.
Clearly, wisdom is an important trait for leaders. It allows them to make sound decisions, aids in mentorship, helps with conflict resolution, and more.
You may not consider yourself very wise. Maybe you’re young or lack leadership experience. However, don't be discouraged. Grow your wisdom! All leaders can benefit from becoming wiser. As leadership expert and pastor Craig Groeschel says, "everyone wins when the leader gets better."
#2 – He Focuses on His Follower’s Growth
Only a few hours seem to have passed since Obi-Wan met Luke, and he’s already training him.
Great leaders are focused on the growth of those in their care. They coach and develop their team members.
If you’re a manager, discuss personal development and professional growth goals with your reports. Help them on their journey by providing opportunities for them to get better.
#1 – He is Sacrificial
Obi-Wan crafts a situation where our heroes are able to escape, then, without hesitation, sacrifices himself in order to give Luke the opportunity to flourish.
There are a numerous bad leaders out there – I encounter them frequently in the business world, unfortunately. For example, many bosses look at their employees as units of profit. Layoffs are a tool they turn to all too quickly. But the best leaders are generous and unselfish. A great leader would reduce or eliminate his or her own salary before embracing layoffs.
The greatest leaders are sacrificial. They’re able to put their team members before themselves. They prioritize the needs of their team and the long-term success of the company over their own personal gain.
A Fantastic Example of a Leader for the Professional World
Obi-Wan Kenobi exemplifies great leadership from which we all can learn. Yes, he's a fictional Jedi, but his wisdom, sacrificial nature and profound care for those under his guidance should inspire those who seek to lead.
The professional world would undoubtedly improve if more of us adopted the leadership style of the Jedi Master.