Recently, I wrote a post about Napoleon’s rise to power. Mike Henry, a leadership development coach, encouraged me to also write about what did not go as well for Napoleon. After pondering and learning more about his life, I’ve come to the conclusion that his downfall came about from bad judgment, arrogance and intoxication with power.
Intoxicated with Power
Napoleon had an incredible amount of energy. He would hardly sleep and could take short little naps at will. He practically worked 24 hours a day. He did not delegate well and micromanaged everything. This can only last so long. In order to build a foundation for any organization, the leader needs to develop and groom people by delegating.
In the beginning, he embraced some of the ideals of the Revolution such as Liberty and Equality. Once he tasted power, he crushed anyone who demanded liberty or who spoke against him. It was impossible to express yourself unless Napoleon gave you permission to do so.
Arrogance and Pride
After conquering a large portion of Europe, he installed most of his siblings on the throne of the imperial lands. Rather than stick to the ideals of the French Revolution which was the reason he was able to rise so high without the noble credentials, he fell back to the concept of rewarding birth rather than skill.
Having confidence is great and the most successful have plenty of it. Napoleon’s confidence, although a strength became a liability because he took it to an extreme. He believed that he was godlike and infallible. This can lead to mistakes because all of us have blind spots, even the greatest.
Bad Judgment
He believed that the only way to gain the esteem of the French people was to continually wage war and bring glory to his nation. This may have worked at first but it turned sour in the end. This is no different than a leader using a strategy that worked in the past regardless of whether it is relevant today.
When his closest advisers told him not to invade Russia in 1812, he chose not to listen. This cost him over 500,000 men and his downfall. Good leaders listen to their advisers even if the advise given is not what they want to hear.
Your Thoughts and Insights
- Are there other lessons we can learn from his fall from power?
Photo Credits, Tynesider
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[New Post] Lessons from Napoleon’s fall from power – via @twitoaster http://www.peakhistory.com/2010/02/28/le...
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Marguerite, thanks for the shout and executing on the idea. My historical memory of Napoleon wasn’t all that fresh, but you confirmed my memory. We all provide lessons of what to do and what not to do and many times the “what not to do” begins with thinking we have all the answers. When we focus on ourselves, we’re the smartest people we know. It’s not until we start to operate for something bigger than ourselves that we begin to see more accurately how we fit in the big picture.
Mike…
Good point Mike. I think that when he became mainly self serving is when he lost his judgment.
I think the key lesson here is that when you achieve a certain level of success, fight like hell to remain the same person that got you there. I have venom in my heart for people who make it, then become cocky and arrogant. Major turn off…
Todd, you are so right! It seems to me that once people rise to power a lot changes. Do you admire someone in power who has stayed the same? Would love to know…Thanks for the comment!!
My favorite examples are fellows like Chris Brogan. Or Gary Vaynerchuk. These guys have made it. Big time. Yet, they are more normal, more human, and more approachable, then ever. To me, THAT is what makes them rock stars…