The Character and Leadership of Avatar

I love a good movie and Avatar is going to be one of my favorites. The characters are enchanting and engaging and the visual effects are stunning to say the least. The best part of the story however is that there is nothing new in the story.

Throughout human history this story has been lived and told by countless people who possessed something that another group of people wanted. Whether it is the European invasion of North and South America, or the colonization of Asia the struggle between those that have and those that want, is a timeless tale.

As I watched and enjoyed the story and the effects I reflected on how well Avatar demonstrates the elements of the Character of Leadership model. The belief systems (Faith) of the invaders and the Na'vi could not have been clearer and more different. The sense of right and wrong (Justice) was clear on both sides and the Wisdom and Courage to defend the respective positions was stunningly clear. Of course the highlight of the movie is when Jakes sense of Justice crystallizes into a mission to save (Hope) the people he was sent to betray.

The Character of Leadership is an ancient model we have adapted to a quantum age just as James Cameron has adapted an ageless tale of conquest into a great science fiction move.