or Down in the Valley
As a teenager, I was blown away by the movie “Zulu”—the depiction of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in 1879.
More than 50 years later, in terms of film-making and tension, it still holds its own. It especially provides some brilliant illustrations of strategy for today’s business leader—not the least of which is the need to observe and direct from above, rather than always battling at the stockades.
The events of the movie are on 23 January 1879. Facing the 4000 warriors, there are about 150 soldiers, patients and staff who are led by Lt John Chard (played by Stanley Baker) and Lt Gonville Bromhead (Michael Caine—in his first big movie!). Richard Burton provides a brooding narration.
On the previous day, the main Zulu force had killed 1500 British soldiers at the Battle of Isandlwana to the east. The Rorke’s Drift station is under orders from HQ to “hold your ground”.
Sounding like an approaching train, the Zulu warriors occupy the valley, while their commanders take up position on a nearby ridge. This is no fortification and the British soldiers form a makeshift barricade and wait. They have the firearms, but they are hopelessly outnumbered and isolated.
This is a fascinating illustration, among many things, of contrasting strategies by the leaders in the heat of battle.
High on the hill, the prince’s command group separate themselves from the action as he directs successive attacks by the Zulu warriors. Each time they are testing the firing range and intensity of the British defences. The prince is able to make calm and calculated moves. He can regulate the deployment of resources.
Down in the valley, the British officers are struggling to determine who is the most senior. They do their best to lead their meagre forces, with the successive attacks causing panic, dissension, desertions and casualties. They are stoic in the face of overwhelming odds, suffer a breach of their defences, and they see only the battle in front of them. The officers’ lives too are in danger with each attack.
So, is there anything wrong with battling at the stockades? On the face of it, it may be heroic and inspirational.
But it is also vain. While you as the leader are looking good, you are consumed in hand-to-hand combat, not in control of strategy, and you will almost certainly be overwhelmed by opposition with a clearer, calmer viewpoint.
If you haven’t seen the movie, I will leave you to discover the outcome. Suffice to say that there are other leadership lessons—besides strategy.
In the meantime, are you high on the hill or down in the valley?
Jeff Bell, Principal, ResultsWise
Arrange a meeting to discuss Strategic Planning—go to the Contact Us page or phone Jeff on 0439988662.