A healthy team: Merlin, the wise prophet

Merlin plays a rather important and unique role in nearly all of Arthur’s life. Not the most important role though, since Arthur consciously divided his attention between all his advisors. Merlin was a truly gifted and very loyal and honourable man. A combination of characteristics that one does not find easily. An interesting observation can be made here. Quite often, similar people attract each other. Narcissistic leaders often have narcissistic advisors. Manipulative leaders often have manipulative advisors. Fearful leaders often have fearful advisors. Just like a nation usually has the leadership that they (often unconsciously) desire and therefore deserve, it seems that a leader also has the advisors that he/she deserves.

A healthy team: Camelot, a home for everyone

After Arthur became High King, he chose not to settle in the castle of his recently deceased father Uther Pendragon. One of the most important reasons was that his father had practised a completely different style of leadership. Uther had reigned through power, fear and manipulation. He also realized great victories, in his own way. But he had never been a leader that was trusted and loved by his people. Arthur had enjoyed a Roman Celtic education, and he strongly believed in values like justice, equality, discipline, passion, the willingness to learn and friendship. Ector and Livinia gave him the priceless gift of healthy father and motherhood, of healthy man and womanhood. It was one of the things that enabled Arthur to develop a healthy self-image...