Member Article

Military figures can be a source of inspiration for Business

Some of the greatest military leaders in history can be a source of inspiration when trying to plot a strategy and direction for businesses, says business strategist Steven Day.

Many of the traits of those who led armies into historic battles can be applied to business leaders and owners as they look to make their business more efficient.

While all of the following have reputations of varying degrees, there are common traits between all of them – a tendency to triumph over adversity, a refusal to give up and the ability to command huge respect amongst their own people and soldiers.

As great military strategists, they also had qualities of efficiency, leadership and flexibility.

Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar were two of the most feared emperors of the ancient world two millennia ago, inspiring large scale invasions that would change the course of history.

Hannibal and Scipio Africanus fought bitterly over Mediterranean territory around 200BC – both were renowned for their legendary tactical skills during a time period of relative ignorance.

Genghis Khan presided over what would become the largest empire in history in Mongolia, and is credited with promoting religious tolerance and advancing literature at a time when few could read and write.

Henry V’s cunning and guile in the heat of battle masterminded an incredible and unlikely victory at the Battle of Agincourt against France in 1415.

Napoleon overcame his famous height deficiency to do the same thing many times over against the British and much of the rest of Europe 400 years later.

Steven Day said: “The great military leaders of yesteryear all possessed the sort of drive and strategic know-how that many businesses aspire to.

“By looking at their lives and careers, we can see how their leadership inspired the people around them and gained the trust of those who fought their cause - all issues that businesses can learn from whether they’re looking for a completely new direction or if they’re simply trying to make minor adjustments.

Steven Day is managing director of 3rd Way Solutions, which offers a business development service for businesses that want to grow.

Steven Day believes that British businesses cannot afford to sit back and wait for the economic recovery to happen to them, but must instead embrace creativity, innovation and strategy in order to be successful in the future.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Thompson .