The heart of a chief, the soul of a dragon

Dragons combine fire, fearlessness and flight: what could be more magical? Ever since I saw How to Train your Dragon, I have been waiting for sequel. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is great sequel! The story twists and turns like Toothless in flight. (Although I am disappointed that one of the films big reveals was added to the trailer, this did not detract greatly from my enjoyment of the film.)

I won't spoil the story at all except to say: this is film about heroism, reconciliation, peace and friendship... really about how anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Of course, it is a fantasy. But it is fantasy with a great heart and lots of fun. The movie will delight you, (if you let it).

The young hero of the story dares to different: Hiccup is not the archetypal viking leader. Much of the narrative tension comes from his 'otherness' and the acceptance or scorn with which others greet this. Hiccup remains content with his own style and feels no need to somehow try to be like his father (who is the archetypal viking leader). But of course, Hiccup admires and loves his father none the less. 

This acceptance of who you are and who others are lies at the centre of solid leadership. Leadership is not about changing who you are: it about bringing out who you are. Developing others is not about changing them but assisting them to bring out themselves. 

Heart and soul: who are you?

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This is the thirty fourth of my new series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I am doing this. Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.