King Arthur: baby, boy, man

Arthur was born as the son of King Uther Pendragon and Lady Igraine. He was the grandson of Constantine II, one of the last Roman Brits, who had also been a man of unity. Constantine II, just like Arthur later on, had spent his life protecting the Brits from the murderous hordes of the Saxons, for the Saxons wanted nothing more than to submit the whole of England to their barbaric and ruthless iron fist.

Immediately after Arthur’s birth, Merlin, a druid, wise prophet and counsellor of King Uther, took him under his protective wing. He made sure that Arthur got an excellent education, far away from the allurements, intrigues and dangers of the life at court. Ector, a simple but just and noble knight, took Arthur in. Ector was a true Celt, and his forefathers had ruled over parts of England since far before Christ. He was married to Livinia, a wise woman with Roman heritage. They lived near Bath, far away from Londinium, in a beautiful rural setting. 

They raised Arthur as if he were their own son, and they taught him the following 9 virtues:

1.  Fatherhood
2. Motherhood
3. Trustworthiness
4. Discipline
5. Servitude
6. Courage
7. Self-consciousness
8. Wisdom
9. Integrity

If you aim at becoming a successful team leader, or if you want to train healthy young team leaders, then these 9 virtues are most certainly worth incorporating in the character training.

Furthermore, Arthur was consciously being prepared to:

• Work in a team
• Keep his body and mind super fit
• Constantly further develop his competences
• Deal with power and authority in a healthy way
• Maintain a lifestyle of discipline

I think the latter provides us with a beautiful image: a team leader of royal blood, who is raised by a true gentleman and lady, to become a servant of his people!

Another great thinker and leader who lived during the same time, and who also had a big impact on the future of Europe, was Benedict of Nursia (the founder of numerous monasteries). 1500 years ago, he described: ‘power is the freedom to serve’! It is exactly this attitude that a successful team leader needs to have. He needs to lead his team, with heart and mind, but most of all, he needs to take the responsibility to serve the others on his team.

What virtues do you want to develop further this year, in order to gain more natural authority as a team leader?