Decline and Fall of The Roman Empire - What Business Can Learn From the Greatest 5th Century Military on the Planet

"The enervated soldiers abandoned their own, and the public defence; and their pusillanimous indolence may be considered as the immediate cause of the downfall of the empire" (Edward Gibbon, DAFORE, Vol. III, pp. 271-272).

Edward Gibbon's description of the decline of the Roman Empire highlights the "pusillanimous indolence" of Roman soldiers as a critical factor. He states - in no uncertain terms - that their pusillanimous indolence was the immediate cause of the Empire's decline and fall.

“Pusillanimous indolence”—i.e., lazy cowards—were exemplified in his magnum opus as follows; consider these in comparison to their present day, business parallels:

Pusillanimity (Cowardice)

1. Avoidance of Battle and Avoiding the Competition: Roman soldiers increasingly avoided engaging in combat, fleeing from confrontations rather than facing their enemies bravely. This avoidance undermined the empire's defensive capabilities. Key takeaway - face and know the competition better than they know themselves to ensure a strategic line of attack.

2. Desertion - in The Face of Competition: Many soldiers deserted their posts during critical times, abandoning their duties and leaving gaps in the empire's defenses. This desertion was a clear sign of cowardice and lack of commitment. Key takeway - don't captitulate when faced with competitor's products or proposals in the marketplace; having learned their strengths and weaknesses (see above) prepare a strategic line of attack.

3. Reliance on Mercenaries - Offshore Workers: The Roman army's growing dependence on barbarian mercenaries highlighted the unwillingness of Roman soldiers to fight. These mercenaries were often more motivated and effective than the Roman troops they replaced. Key takeaway - don't rely on offshore workers for customer-facing jobs; this reliance will hobble the business and cause its immediate decline and fall.

Indolence (Laziness)

1. Neglect of Training - Workers Becoming Expert at Their Job - or Lack Thereof: Roman soldiers became increasingly lax in their training regimes, leading to a decline in military discipline and combat readiness. Key Takeaway - Don't neglect training and continuous improvement of skills; to do otherwise will cause a business to be ill-prepared for metaphorical battles with the competition.

2. Preference for Comfort - “Work” from Home: Soldiers preferred the comforts of city life over the hardships of military campaigns. They were reluctant to leave their comfortable posts to defend distant frontiers. Key Takeaway - Working from home will lead to disaster, sooner rather than later.

3. Failure in Public Defense - Customer Contact and Care: Gibbon notes that the soldiers abandoned both their personal and public duties, failing to defend the empire against external threats. This failure contributed directly to the empire's vulnerability and eventual collapse. Key Takeaway - Defend the customer as though they are the golden egg within a fortress; stay in touch, communicate, visit, nurture; to do otherwise will cause decay from within the fortress.

Understanding these aspects of pusillanimity and indolence in Roman soldiers provides valuable lessons for modern business organizations!