Leaders have to listen
King T'Challa surrounded himself with people who were smarter, and more capable than him in their respective areas of expertise. His supporters had a diverse set of talents, abilities and strengths. They were not all cookie cutter version of himself. His sister, was example, was a tech marvel. He relied on her she knowledge and gave her the autonomy to innovate. She taught him how to leverage new technology to be a more effective leader and warrior. T'Challa's General, Okoye, gave his sage advice on tracking down and subduing the thief who sought to steal his country's top resource. T'Challa was even willing to accept tough feedback from a neighboring tribe leader who questioned his motives and leadership style. He pushed back at times, questioned them, and didn't always heed their direction immediately. But he was willing to keep the lines of communication open. He paid close attention to the advice of his allies and just as importantly learned from the voice of his adversaries. Leaders have to listen; even when the message contradicts what they think they already know.
Leaders needs to admit when they're wrong
Initially King T'Challa embraced and followed the leadership traditions of his ancestors. He believed that his country should not share their powerful resources and technological advances with the rest of the world. But he begin to observe some of the issues created by his country's isolation. There was family division, tribal disagreements, paranoia and distrust. He began to question the ways of life that had been practiced for centuries. He challenged himself and all those under his domain to consider adapt to a new way. As leaders, we must examine our methods as well as our results. When we don't get the results we are seeking, it might be time to reevaluate our strategies or our areas of focus. That's why a clear mission and vision are essential for aligning actions, expectations, decision making and accountability.
Loyalty means different things to different people
Nakia, the King's love interest, is committed to helping other nations and people outside her homeland of Wakanda. She strives to save people from bondage and intercedes in injustice around the globe. Her commitment to this effort was more important to her than her commitment to her home country, which is why she left. The Armed Forces General, Okoye, had a different point of view however. She was loyal to the throne. She felt that her role as a military leader was to follow the direction of the King even if he was an unjust ruler. It was not her duty to agree or disagree; nor challenge or defend, but to serve. Leaders must realize that their followers have differing values, belief systems, and perspectives. And, those differences can drive their motivations and their behaviors. Taking time to understand and empathize is an important leadership ability. It can lead to finding common ground and a common purpose which can provide deeper understanding and better collaboration.
Leaders are builder of bridges, not barriers
After a change of heart, King T'Challa began focusing on collaboration and unity. He discovered that people are not as powerful apart, as they are together. Servant leadership became one of his goals as it should be for any effective leader. Figuring out how to support, encourage, and contribute to the success of others is what effective leaders do. They look for altruistic opportunities. They seek to create a common vision. They commit to the greater good.
