Explore how Napoleon Bonaparte’s early decisions and the chaotic environment of revolutionary France shaped his leadership style. Discover key insights into human instincts and behavior, decision-making under pressure, and leadership evolution through history.

1. Introduction to Napoleon's background: Corsican origins, outsider status, early discipline and focus.
2. The chaos of revolutionary France: from political upheaval to societal collapse, and the need for fast action.
3. How societal fracture creates a search for new leaders: Napoleon’s emergence from instability.
4. Napoleon's ability to capitalize on moments of crisis by acting decisively—Toulon as a pivotal example.
5. The psychology of decisiveness: risk-taking leads to recognition and promotion.
6. Overconfidence rooted in success: how early victories reinforce belief in infallibility.
7. The importance of conditions over greatness: Napoleon’s rise driven by need for stability and competence.
8. Lessons on leadership and human behavior: chaos, uncertainty, and the power of decisive action under pressure.

In this episode, Nicolas Pokorny explores the essence of leadership, emphasizing that it often manifests in moments of uncertainty and pressure rather than through theoretical frameworks. He introduces the concept of observing leadership in action, particularly through historical examples, starting with Napoleon Bonaparte. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding human behavior and instincts in leadership dynamics.

1. Leadership shows up in moments under uncertainty and pressure.
2. Understanding leadership is different from observing it unfold.
3. Leadership lives in motion, not just in language.
4. History provides a powerful laboratory for observing behavior.
5. Human behavior is consistent across time, despite changing contexts.
6. Confidence, fear, and ambition are key elements in leadership.
7. Observing leadership can reveal patterns in organizations and individuals.
8. The journey of leadership can be understood through historical figures.
9. Napoleon Bonaparte's leadership journey serves as a case study.
10. The invitation is to watch leadership happen, not just learn about it.

The stakes for leaders today have never been higher. Power that’s applied indiscriminately can erode trust, lower morale, and damage a company’s culture. But leaders who master the art of flexible power use can navigate complex challenges with resilience and success.

In this episode, we examine leadership power as a precision instrument. We explore how business leaders can move beyond traditional, blunt approaches to power and adopt a more adaptable, context-sensitive strategy.

Drawing from historical examples, we explore how the smartest leaders know when to exercise authority and when to lean on soft power for better outcomes. You’ll learn how to apply power strategically, balance hard and soft approaches, and lead with precision.

In this episode:

- Power as a precision instrument

- Historical examples: Ashoka, Paul Polman, & Shackleton

- Playbook for applying power with precision

- Key takeaway and series wrap-up

Resources Used in the Episode:

French, J. R. P., & Raven, B. (1959). The bases of social power: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/215915730_The_bases_of_social_power

Keltner, D., Gruenfeld, D. H., & Anderson, C. (2003). Power, approach, and inhibition. Psychological Review, 110(2), 265–284: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2003-00307-004

Peyton, T., Zigarmi, D., & Fowler, S. (2020). Examining the Relationship Between Leaders' Power Use, Followers' Motivational Outlooks, and Followers' Work Intentions. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1070: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6367254/

Wisse, B., Rus, D., Keller, A., & Sleebos, E. (2019). Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it: The combined effects of leader fear of losing power and competitive climate on leader self-serving behavior. The Leadership Quarterly, 30(5), 101313: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334007112_Fear_of_losing_power_corrupts_those_who_wield_it_the_combined_effects_of_leader_fear_of_losing_power_and_competitive_climate_on_leader_self-serving_behavior

Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (8th ed.). Pearson: https://nibmehub.com/opac-service/pdf/read/Leadership%20in%20Organizations%20by%20Gary%20Yukl.pdf

Get Your Copy of The Mammoth in the Room: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipscien ces.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny