If I suggested that you lead like a Samurai warrior, you might be a bit alarmed. Especially if you’ve watched too many corny movies. In a Fast company article by Amanda Yello and Lori Tsugawa Whaley, Whaley says that the Samurai code of conduct was actually designed to create a space for benevolent leadership. She writes, “Benevolent leadership is about leading with kindness and understanding, prioritizing the well-being of employees, and building a positive workplace culture by creating an environment that recognizes the unique contribution of each individual.”
She goes on to say, “At the heart of the Bushido philosophy is the idea of balancing strength and compassion. In fact, the root of the word “samurai” means “’to serve.’” Fancy swordplay aside, the code of Samurai conduct includes loyalty, integrity, and honor, all of which we value in leaders today.
Side note: if you’re wondering, as I did, what the difference between integrity and honor is, my search indicates that honor is part of a cultural or societal set of expectations, while integrity is personal and individual. So the definition of honor can change over time (and boy, has it) while the definition of integrity is still “do what you know is right.”
The Bushido philosophy was designed to create what every leader seeks: trust and commitment to shared goals. Honesty and transparent communication, including admitting when you were wrong, was also an important part of the Bushido code. That takes courage, which is another Samurai value.
Leaders also demonstrated the values they spoke about, which I think most of us agree is sometimes missing in modern leadership. (Think dozens of leaders flying to a climate conference on private jets.) When followers see that their leaders not only espouse their stated values, but embrace them, they are more likely to trust their leadership and each other.
Two other important Bushido principles: commitment to continuous improvement and consistency. The two go hand in hand. Continuous improvement requires consistent practice. In his book “Outliers,” Malcolm Gladwell introduced the “10,000 hour rule.” As Gladwell tells it, it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials, like playing the violin, becoming a chess master or an elite athlete.
There are some caveats: you must practice under a skilled teacher or coach (the original 1993 research study called this “deliberate practice.”) Most of us can’t simply figure it out on our own. A teacher or coach will help you focus on what’s important, correct your form, and hold you accountable for progress.
The co-author of the research Gladwell refers to in his book says there’s another, perhaps even more important factor in becoming a master. Anders Ericsson, professor of psychology at Florida State University, says that the quality of the teacher you choose could make all the difference. Ericsson’s research suggests that someone who puts in the practice for thousands of hours could still be outplayed by someone who practiced less but had a teacher who showed them just what to focus on at a key moment in their practice or performance.
If you want to lead like a Samurai, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I using my leadership position to serve the people who work for me?
- Do I embrace and uphold my company’s values? (If not, you may be working for the wrong company.)
- Do my actions reflect my personal values? Or does what I do contradict what I say is important?
- Am I committed to improving my personal and professional performance? Do I practice excellence every day?
- If I’m committed to improvement, have I done all I can to get better? Could I find a resource or a coach to assess my performance, help me improve, and hold me accountable for progress?
- Do I consider myself both honorable and having integrity? Is that how others see me, as well?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” you may have some work to do to become your best self and the best leader you can be. (Martial arts mastery optional.)
If you want to read more about Samurai history, here are some recommendations:
Your Work, Your Way 