Five Guiding Principles, Two Swords

Samurai Leadership™

In a time when so many responsibilities vie for attention it is increasingly important to be able to put the noise aside and focus on the task at hand. A Samurai Leader’s guiding principles help to create focus that matters; it is easy to become sidetracked by the circus of illusion, especially if our own perception adds to the complexity.
Samurai Leadership’s goal is to make things simpler by focusing on what’s truly important and avoid “paralysis in the face of flashing steel.” While most of us will never have to worry about a Samurai sword hurling toward us, we have all experienced the unsettling cacophony of the modern business environment. In both circumstances the proper frame of mind is crucial to survival.

The Five Guiding Principles: Keys to the Way

I - Presence

II - Shed Illusions

III - Retainer

IV - Awareness

V - Adaptation/Constant Change

The 5 guiding principles (or keys to the “way”) of the Samurai Leader give a modern interpretation to a disciplined art. Members of Deasy & Associates, Inc., combed through volumes of leadership articles, books, and team manuals and discovered that almost all followed the pattern provided by Samurai Leadership. Although the words may have differed, the ideas were echoed... and the five keys were born.

A Samurai wore two different swords, a wakizashi and a katana (the short and long sword respectively). The function of each sword was different. The long sword, known as the “soul” of the Samurai, was used in highly important (i.e. ceremonial) situations and the short
sword was used on a daily basis, never leaving the Samurai’s side. These two swords mirror two distinct sides required
of a leader. An ability to see overall purpose (big picture) and its completion through everyday work (the short sword). Balancing when to use which sword was essential to a Samurai’s existence.

P.S. No Need to Carry an Actual Sword

You do not need to be a sword-wielding, armor-clad warrior to be a Samurai. A Samurai can refer to anyone with a high degree of competency in any chosen field. Ever heard of a Samurai accountant? (Now that’s scary.) Through practice, a Samurai’s mind can be
cultivated and you too can be a Samurai Leader.