Top 10 Leadership Lessons from Napoleon

Quite unlike French monarchy that was disconnected to the people, Napoleon won over the crowd’s support. He would even know the names of his soldiers, and call them by their names. However, there is always the lingering temptation to give the mob all they want every time. That’s what separates a good leader to a pathetic one.

Napoleon realized the value of persistence to clinch victory. He returned to the French throne even after he was exiled.

Napoleon stationed spies across Paris. He trusted few and wanted to eavesdrop on what his citizens were discussing. That doesn’t work. Trust and empower people, and they’ll help build your organization. People need space and freedom to perform their best.

There were around 65 newspapers in France before Napoleon rose to power. After he did, only 4 remained. He believed in equality, but had no respect for liberty. It is important to listen to those around you. If you silence or limit criticism, you stop growing.

As a General Napoleon was wherever his troops needed him the most. That made all the difference. He would be in the thick of it. This devotion earned him respect. His troops felt cared for, and went the extra mile for him. As a leader, be there and see it through. No job is too small. Pay attention to every detail.

Everybody wants to feel appreciated. Napoleon knew gratitude would help gain support. He asked, “Who is the bravest man in this battalion?” The general would bring him the man and Napoleon would take a medal off of his coat and present it to the soldier. This took him a long way.

Napoleon used ingenious ways to leverage his strengths to his advantage. He would fight at odd hours, basically any time he felt he would have an advantage. A classic example is the Battle of the Pyramids in Egypt. The French were outnumbered 1:3. Against all odds the Mamluks lost 6,000 men, but the French lost a mere 30, thanks to Napoleon’s ingenious military strategies.

Napoleon quickly rose to power during tumultuous times as he believed he was destined for greatness. When he was back in power he approached his troops and said, “Fifth, you recognize me. If any man would shoot his emperor, he may do so now.” His soldiers shouted “Vive L’ Empreuer!” But he wasn’t the same confident man he once was. That eventually led to his downfall.

Napoleon was an impatient man. However, he spun his flaw to his advantage. He was off to a flying start even before his enemy would even move. The first to strike always has an edge, and Napoleon knew that very well.