Timeless Leadership Insights - Iliad Book 7 & 8: Action & Advice

"Leadership is action, not position." – Donald McGannon

You may not be battling mythical beasts or trying to impress a bunch of judgey Greek gods (and honestly, thank goodness for that). But here's the thing about the Iliad: it takes all this epic drama and boils it down to the same kinds of choices we tackle daily. Instead of leading an army, maybe you're staring down an overflowing inbox and past due dates. Instead of angering a sea god, it's a nightmare co-worker who might derail your team's entire project with their passive-aggressive emails. The heart of the matter is still that gut-wrenching moment of "Okay, now what?" That's the universal experience.

The struggles in the Iliad can hit close to home. Books 7 and 8 are packed with timeless lessons, and today, we're focused on Hector, Agamemnon, and Nestor. Three figures, bound by fate, reveal contrasts between the potential for greatness and vulnerability, and trust me, these Greeks and Trojans would benefit from a seriously updated HR manual.

Ajax vs. Hector: Risk Management 101 (With Swords)

Book 7 drops us straight into the action. Hector carries the weight of his city on his shoulders. He's calculated, but he's overthinking every move. Meanwhile, Ajax is an ancient Dwayne Johnson with serious anger issues. This duel isn't just about who hits harder; it's a masterclass in how to completely screw yourself over.

Every clash reminds us that choices have consequences. Hector is so stressed about failing his people that he's missing easy wins. The time for careful planning was yesterday. Ajax, meanwhile, is on a self-destructive rampage. He's gotta learn that brute force isn't the same as a strategy. The stalemate at the end of this duel feels a little too familiar. (How many long meetings end with no decision?)

The Leadership Gauntlet

So here's the thing: we're all a bit of Hector and a bit of Ajax. It's a spectrum:

• Is fear holding you back like Hector? Are you missing chances because you're too busy being terrified?
• Maybe you're channeling your inner Ajax, ready to charge full-force into a dumpster fire of your own making?

The Call to Action

Can you ever find a perfect balance between impulsive decisions and crippling overthinking? Honestly, probably not. But the Iliad reminds us that the struggle itself is where growth happens. It's those "what do I do now?!" moments that define us, whether we're fighting for a kingdom or crushing a report.

So, are you ready to take a hard look at your style? It's time to get honest about your battles with risk. You might not have gods and monsters on your team, but the choices you make every day shape your epic tale.

Agamemnon: A Leader at War with Himself

Here we go again. This guy is perpetually at war with himself, obsessed with crushing Troy, even if it means crushing his people. When his troops are worn out and begging for a five-minute breather, what does he do? He pushes harder. He's the ancient equivalent of that boss who emails at 2 a.m., fully expecting a response before the day starts.

The worst part is that he's not evil; he's just clueless. He has zero understanding of what makes his troops tick. His team is not fueled by pure spite. They're humans with aching bodies and families back home that they actually want to see again.

This mess reminds us that motivation isn't just about yelling "louder!". Listen, a demoralized team will not win a war for you, no matter how much you threaten them with unpaid overtime. (Okay, maybe that wouldn't fly back then, but you get the idea). Pushing too hard without caring about the people doing the actual work leads to resentment – not exactly a recipe for success.

Agamemnon lives in a bubble of his own ego. When your own soldiers are ready to stage a mutiny, that's a pretty big hint that communication may have broken down. Nobody feels safe or respected enough to be honest with him. That kind of closed-door policy doesn't just hurt morale, it breeds costly, stupid mistakes.

The Leadership Mirror: Time for Awkward Truths

Agamemnon is the ultimate cautionary tale. His story forces us to ask some uncomfortable questions about our own approach:

• Do I really get what makes my team tick? Do I know, not just what they do, but what motivates and inspires them?
• Am I creating a space where people feel heard and understood, or is it all about hitting numbers no matter the cost?
• Is there room for open dialogue in my leadership style? Can people be honest with me about problems before they blow up?

The good news is that we're not destined to repeat Agamemnon's mistakes. The Iliad isn't about lecturing us, it's about holding up a mirror. Now's the chance to look honestly at ourselves and create the kind of leadership we wish we always had.

Nestor: The OG "Been There, Done That"

Amidst the hotheaded heroes on the battlefield, there's this guy named Nestor. He's like the wise grandpa of the Greek army, the one who's seen it all and then some. He's not about flashy swordplay or epic temper tantrums (he leaves that to the youngsters). Nestor's superpower is experience and honesty.

His words don't hit you with fiery passion, but they have the weight of a million battles behind them.

Here's what makes Nestor a total boss:

• Truth-teller Deluxe: Nestor doesn't beat around the bush. While the others are lost in ego trips and revenge fantasies, he drops reality bombs. He's the one who calls out dumb plans, forcing everyone to confront the elephant in the room (or, like, the giant wooden horse filled with enemy soldiers).
• Big Picture Thinker: Nestor sees the forest, not just the trees. When everyone's fixated on the next skirmish, he's thinking about the long road ahead. He's the one reminding them that winning a single battle is pointless if you lose the war. His wisdom is about patience, about strategies that work because they've been proven over and over again.
• Experience Matters: Nestor's advice isn't about theory, it's about hard-won lessons. He's made the mistakes, paid the price, and lived to tell about it. He reminds us that there's something powerful in learning from those who came before.

"Okay, Boomer" – Or Nah?

The Iliad makes us wonder how we value seasoned voices:

• Do you actually seek out wise counsel? Or is it tempting to get caught up in the excitement of new and untested approaches?
• Can you slow down enough to appreciate the value of proven methods? Or are you constantly chasing the shiny and new because it seems more exciting?

Nestor's presence is like a history lesson and a pep-talk rolled into one. He reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful tool isn't ambition, it's the quiet, seasoned voice.

You know that whole "history repeats itself" thing?

The Iliad is the OG leadership handbook, reminding us that even heroes mess up. Hector, Agamemnon, and Nestor show us the spectrum of choices we face every day.

Are you letting fear hold you back, or are you pushing too hard? Do you understand what drives your team, or are you heading for disaster? Can you tap into past lessons as your guiding star?

The Iliad isn't about finding easy answers, it's about looking at your own journey. Do you have the guts to write an epic tale of your own?