Genghis Khan Leadership
Genghis Khan (c.1160-1227)
Brilliant but brutal Mongolian leader (pictured right) who conquered an empire twice the
size of Rome’s.
Why was he a great
leader?
1. Loyal troops
He admired and rewarded people’s talent, whatever their religion or nationality.
He made poor herdsmen generals, and even his old enemies served him.
All he asked in return was loyalty, which he encouraged by:
- his generosity (keeping them well fed).
- honesty and integrity (he always kept his promises).
- giving his troops booty from his conquests.
His officers and government officials throughout his empire were given considerable autonomy to achieve
his broad objectives.
There was a particularly strong bond between him and his troops.
“I will share with you men the bitter and the sweet”, he said, and he never broke that
promise.
2. Organization, firepower and training
The backbone of his army was small units of 10 men:
- four heavily armoured lancers, and
- six cavalry archers, pictured right (using their lethal reflex bows with a range of up to 300 yards).
They were some of the best troops in history, because of their superb training and discipline,
imposed strictly but fairly by Genghis Khan and his officers.
3. Speed
His army was by far the world’s quickest, moving up to 100 miles a day.
4. Ruthless brutality
He simply killed anybody who was disloyal or opposed him.
He never forgot an insult, or an enemy that did not immediately obey him.
He wasn’t sadistic, but was cruel to preserve people’s loyalty and terrorize the enemy.
But he was still incredibly brutal.
At least 1¼ million Muslims were murdered during his invasion of Persia (now Iran and
Iraq).
5. Information and lifelong learning
Originally an illiterate herdsman, he was the first Mongolian to learn the benefits of
writing and efficient administration from his conquered enemies.
He learned the art of siege warfare from the Chinese and the need for alliances from his mother. He also learned
from his mistakes.
He was also constantly seeking information about his empire, the enemy and troop
movements, helped by
- a superb ‘pony express’ mail service,
- brilliant communication by flags in battle
- the world’s best spies (giving accurate information about the enemy's
weaknesses).
Prior to the invasion of Europe, his spies lived there for nearly 10 years gathering information about each
country like its roads and military strength.
6. Strength from divine belief
He always believed he had heaven’s support in everything he did.
This certainty gave him an enormous self-belief and determination that helped to create his empire (pictured
right when he died in 1227).
7. Humility,self-control and accepting advice
He never betrayed his humble origins as a herdsman, living simply and once giving up his own clothes for a poor
Mongolian in need.
He also accepted other people's wise opinions and put them into practice. For example, he rewarded two friends,
he said, because “You urged me to do what was right”.
8. Charisma, physical toughness and self-reliance
He had the personality and strength of character to inspire others to follow him
(including his son and successor, Ogedei Khan).
He was superbly fit until well into his 60’s, and his father's death forced him to
be self-reliant and look after his mother.
9. Purpose
He was prepared to do anything to win, ridiculing the European idea of honour in battle.
The unity of his people was extremely important to him.
“One arrow alone can be easily broken but many arrows are indestructible”, he said.
10. Brilliant tactician and opportunist
He used to feign retreat, then turn around and surprise the enemy, the most difficult battlefield tactic to
execute.
He avoided head-on assaults, preferring to speedily outflank and surround the enemy and attack them with arrows
at long range.
He was also superb at creating and seizing opportunities.
Key quotes on success
It is not sufficient that I succeed – all others must fail.
The merit of an action lies in finishing it to the end.
Key quotes on
happiness
Be one mind and one faith that you may conquer your enemies and lead long and happy lives.
The greatest happiness is to vanquish your enemies.
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