Like me, you probably always thought of Genghis Khan as a ruthless military leader and strategist...but since the Russians left (after 70 years of occupation) and the Mongolians adopted a constitution and formed a capitalistic society, a lot of new images are coming to light! My wife and I spent two weeks in Mongolia and the Gobi a few years ago...I learned a lot!
Chinggis Khan (correct pronunciation) did more than totally amalgamate the world of his day (troops were so dominant in the thirteenth century that they captured more territory in 40 years than the Romans did in 400), he eliminated feudalism and based his rule totally on meritocracy (leaders earned their positions based on ability). He mandated freedom of religion in a time when that was virtually unknown. He was the first military leader to forbid the torture of captives and the first to offer truce or alliance before attacking or sacking the cities of his enemies.
What make Chinggis an outstanding study for business and sales professionals is his tremendous understanding of the power of creative and strategic thinking:
1. Just as today's professionals follow vision and mission statements, just as we have strategic objectives that guide our decision making, so did his troops. He adopted a written language from a captured tribe then wrote the Yassa, a book of rules and guidelines so his generals in the field could make quick decisions based on his overall plans.
2. Just as you use Customer Relationship Management technology and other advanced tools to arm your field salespeople, Chinggis used the invention of the saddle stirrup and the recurved bow to totally change warfare and obsolete old-fashioned defense and attack methods.
3. Just as rapid transfer of information and digital technology have changed how we work and perform, Chinggis developed a "pony express" or information-transfer system (called the Yan) 500 years before we ever thought of it in this country!
4. He analyzed his territory in advance using a network of spies that were travelling merchants along the Silk Road. Not so different than business people today using the internet and every available tool to research our next area of growth potential and expansion.
Chinggis Khan was probably the most successful military strategis of all time because he had a clear plan and strategy...then used every technology and tool at his disposal to make that plan happen. He was clear in his objectives, creative and focused in his approach and totally committed to winning. If you want to succeed in today's business world, take a lesson from a guy who was born about 1167.
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