Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon rose from obscurity to conquer Europe and become the symbol of French glory. But it is his downfall that is more telling when it comes to lessons for modern managers. Historians would agree on two things about Napoleon. First, he was an extraordinary man, a self-made man. His drive, will, military genius and charisma made him a great man, a world historical figure, a man who made history. Second, by spreading revolutionary ideals and …

…the fact that his success and power originated from, and could only be supported by, his people. For business managers the lessons of Napoleon raise several pertinent questions about the way they treat staff. Is there fair process in interactions with management teams? Do managers feel that their intellectual and emotional worth are recognized and respected? Or do they feel frustrated as Napoleon's generals and field marshals did in the final campaigns of his career?