5 movies that will instill leadership skills in you

The phrase social skills appears numerous times on a day-to-day basis. From interacting with school staff to parents uttering the phrase during school open day. All of this signifies the importance of having a good repertoire of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in your inventory especially if you’re planning to lead in the environment you’re in.

The ‘Big 5’ personality qualities – also known as the five-factor model –  are some of the subtle traits every great leader should have as suggested by psychologist Timothy A. Judge back in 2002. Conscientiousness, humility, perseverance and responsibility regarding the goals that they set are but few of the key ingredients every leader should possess. His study insinuated how prevalent these qualities are to individuals everywhere regardless of their fields.

Over the last ten years, the film industry excelled in delivering messages nonchalantly to movie enthusiast around the world. Regardless of the movie genre, the gist, a message that leaves you pondering long after you’ve left the cinema. Be strong, stand by your decision, savor the moment because life is all about seizing the right opportunity at the right time.

“Being a leader” is about influencing people to follow the correct goals and visions. Whether that was done on your own volition, through trial and error or it was acquired via mentorship, if you can motivate individuals around you to follow the path you’ve paved, chances are you’re fit to lead. This goes for teachers in classrooms, students in sporting events and parents with their children. Anybody who can cultivate and nurture value fits in that label.

Here are some movies to aspire leadership.

•    Moneyball

The story is about General Manager, Billy Beane, and his mission to build a successful team with the aid of a Yale graduate who uses figures and numbers to determine the likely outcome of the team winning. The takeaway? You need to have a good strategy based on good information that was collected thoroughly. Don’t jump into the lion’s den unprepared and expect things to work out. Understand your strength and weakness and avoid following the rest of the herd blindly.

•    The Pursuit of Happyness

Entrepreneur Chris Gardner goes through an ordeal of being unemployed and homeless for one year with his son. He overcomes hardship by becoming an intern at one of the broker’s company just to not give in to what seemed to be a demising fate. Hard work always pays off. Maybe not in a day or week or a year, eventually, you’ll get to reap the fruits of your labour.

•    The King’s Speech

King George VI of England who suffered a stuttering problem since childhood had to rise to throne after his brother stepped down before Britain went into war in 1939. It’s about overcoming obstacles, and wholeheartedly knowing there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. Perseverance and utilizing new skill-sets will only advance you personally to the next level and make you more prepared and better.

•    Apollo 13

The crew of Apollo 13 lunar mission suffered a couple of issues that forced them to avert their mission and find a quick solution to the life or death issues they have not anticipated throughout the journey. When plans go awry or off from the original path, you have to think outside the box and start using every tool at your disposal.

•    Kung Fu Panda 3

When Po (the main character of the movie) is called upon to lead, he goes through an identity crisis and tries to prove that he is leadership material. And once he does, he builds a team of incredible and committed folks. A long road ahead of you doesn’t mean a lifetime of hardship endured. On the contrary, this is what molds good leaders. The movie imparts lessons of continuous development and the importance of a having a good mentor which falls within the essence of a great leader. It’s a rewarding experience to have someone constantly giving you feedback as time goes on as this will only nurture talent.