Starting and running a business, successfully, is a high-stakes endeavor and, unfortunately, failure is more common than one would think. However, lessons abound in every sphere, including in the vast landscapes of Africa – the setting for Mufasa: The Lion King. Though fictional, Mufasa offers lessons that are relevant to business and for anyone in a leadership role.
According to a study published on Statista, in 2020, the average survival rate of startups in Africa was 75% after one year, 46% after three years, and 25% after five years.
While success or failure cannot be over-simplified or attributed to a single factor, the survival and success of any business can hinge on the fundamentals, such as keeping up with market changes and economic conditions. Another factor remains critical – leadership.
And, the lessons we can learn from Mufasa’s journey offer valuable insights into building resilience and creating a vision strong enough to navigate the tough realities of business.
Leadership Lessons from Mufasa: The Lion King
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The sobering truth about business failure rates is something every entrepreneur (and aspiring entrepreneur) should be aware of. Growing a successful business takes resilience and effective leadership – one that is capable of navigating difficulties and adapting to changing circumstances.
Becoming a leader is often described as a journey of growth, self-discovery and uncertainty. The wisdom and themes explored in the photorealistic animation are significant and hold profound relevance:
1.Mentorship
Mufasa’s journey towards leadership can be traced to a character named Eshe, who I liken to a mentor. When Mufasa expresses being lost, Eshe tells him: “To be lost is to learn the way”.
She took the time to teach Mufasa important skills and the ways of the world. This theme showcases that in this type of journey, mentors are important in offering guidance and perspective to successfully navigate the different fields in which mentees operate.
2. Vision
Mufasa had a dream or a vision to reach a desired destination (Milele/the Pride Lands) and he kept it at the forefront of his mind, despite any setbacks or resistance.
As leaders, having a clear, compelling vision and a long-term perspective is crucial. Mufasa’s leadership was cultivated by sticking to that vision in different seasons. I believe that this can be a hard lesson to learn for many leaders and entrepreneurs, especially when navigating early failures or setbacks. However, leaders who see the bigger picture are better equipped to weather those tough times and emerge stronger.
3. Skills Development
Mufasa’s strength and efficacy were not just in his physical power but in the skills he demonstrated at critical times. Throughout his story, he learnt important skills from Eshe, and, in addition to making use of those skills for the overall success of his mission, Mufasa, in turn, taught those skills to his companion, Sarabi.
Effective leaders are tasked with problem-solving, making decisions and providing direction. Leaders that demonstrate subject-matter expertise, competence and skills have a greater inclination towards making informed decisions that benefit the overall success of a business or organization.
4.Collaboration and Delegation
Mufasa recognized the diverse skills that his team brought to the table and he provided them with opportunities to contribute towards accomplishing their collective goal of reaching Milele. Rafiki contributed his wisdom, insight and foresight; Sarabi provided her innovative thinking, companionship and motivation; and Zazu provided his aerial vision as a scout, and in strategy. Mufasa’s collaboration with his team led them to triumph over all.
In the business or professional world, leadership is about building a team that feels capable and trusted. It is not enough to be the only one with a vision. The combination and exchange of diverse skills and ideas, and the strategic delegation of roles to team members leads to increased productivity and overall success. A true leader presents opportunities for others to contribute, make decisions and shine.
5.Building Resilience and Overcoming Resistance
Throughout the film, Mufasa’s courage in the face of danger reminds us that true leadership involves stepping up, even when faced with challenges. It begins early on for Mufasa, as a lost and orphaned cub. He was left to face the world on his own; but even in this tragic moment, leadership was inculcated, teaching Mufasa the importance of resilience.
In business, failure is almost inevitable and that can be discouraging. However, resilience and determination are key traits for anyone hoping to succeed. Like Mufasa, many leaders face personal challenges or setbacks that can feel insurmountable. Yet his journey reminds us that resilience is not about avoiding failure but about how one responds to it.
6.The Circle of Life: Self-Awareness
Eshe teaches Mufasa that ultimately, he has to “find [his] place in the Circle of Life”. A leader’s journey toward greatness starts by understanding where they fit within the greater tapestry of life. This process of cultivating self-awareness is essential in making authentic decisions, forming meaningful connections and ensuring long-term success.
Mufasa’s self-awareness, strong sense of purpose and position enabled him to inspire trust and respect among the other animals, after his victory against the outsiders in Milele. Leaders must determine where they fit within their organization, community or the society at large in order to guide their teams effectively.
Becoming an Effective Leader
American football coach, Vince Lombardi, once said, “Leaders aren’t born, they are made”. Leadership is cultivated over time and, like any form of personal development, it requires consistent effort and adaptation.
Mufasa, as an example of a good leader, is a problem solver who inspires, motivates and sets the strategy for his team, especially during difficult times.
In an effort to surmise effective leadership, six leadership styles were identified in 2000 by psychologist, Daniel Goleman and published in the Harvard Business Review.
Those distinct leadership styles are:
- Coercive leadership – requires instant submission or compliance
- Authoritative leadership – galvanizing people towards an idea
- Affiliative leadership – creates emotional connection
- Democratic leadership – encouraging participation by others and building consensus
- Pacesetting leadership – hinges on autonomy and excellence
- Coaching leadership – fosters the development of others for the future
These leadership styles remain relevant today and are learned over time as one grows in their leadership journey. Effective leadership entails one’s ability to understand and identify which type to implement under any given circumstance.
Mufasa’s leadership is a combination of two or more styles, implemented in different circumstances to achieve a desired outcome and this offers invaluable insights for both personal and professional growth.
Whether one is a business owner, manager or simply looking to step into a leadership position, Mufasa’s journey offers key lessons on the different stages which visionary leaders undergo. They can entail stories of humble beginnings, loss, failure, resilience and, ultimately, triumph.
In the end, it is not just about the title but rather about being the kind of leader who leaves a lasting positive impact, who lifts others up as they rise and who contributes to building a future rooted in wisdom and purpose.
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