19 Leadership Quotes And Lessons From Black Panther The Movie

The latest Marvel blockbuster Black Panther is an absolute masterpiece.  While it will be hailed, and rightfully so, as a cultural phenomenon in regards to diversity, it is simply flat-out a GREAT movie!  Incredible action, great story, and a depth of quality actors and actresses rarely seen in any movie.

After the death of his father T’Chaka in Captain America: Civil War, King T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, returns to Wakanda to begin his reign.  But once he arrives, T’Challa discovers there are many people challenging his leadership and wish to have his role as king.

The following are 19 Leadership Quotes And Lessons From Black Panther The Movie:

1. Smart Leaders Value Diversity – Black Panther is produced by 31-year-old African-American director Ryan Coogler.
2. Great Leaders Are Decisive – Gen. Okoye, played by Danai Gurira, said to T’Challa, “Don’t freeze!”  To which he responded, “I never freeze.”
3. There Is A Difference Between Sensing Opportunity And Seizing It – Queen Ramonda, played by Angela Bassett, said to T’Challa, “My son, it is your time.”
4. Lasting Leaders Focus On Continual Improvement – T’Challa’s little sister Shuri, played spectacularly by Letitia Wright, said, “Just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be improved.”
5. One Person’s Character Does Not Determine Yours – Nakia, a super spy played by Lupita Nyong’o, said to T’Challa, “Only you can decide what kind of king you want to be.”
6. It’s Hard For A Good Man To Ke King – King T’Chaka said to T’Challa, “The world is changing. Soon there will only be the conquered and the conquerors. You are a good man, with a good heart. And it’s hard for a good man to be a king.”
7. Smart Leaders Are Always Raising Up The Next Generation Of Leaders – T’Chaka added, “A man who has not prepared his children for his death has failed as a father.”
8. A Leader Must Have Trust In Their Inner-Circle – T’Chaka continued, “You’re going to struggle so surround yourself with people you trust.”
9. What Made You Successful Yesterday Will Not Keep You Successful Tomorrow – Okoye said, “Guns… so uncivilized!”
10. Smart Leaders Gather All Information Before Making A Decision Or Judgement – Ulysses Klaue, played by Andy Serkis, said to Evertt Ross, “Tell me something. What do you know about Wakanda?”  Ross replies, “It’s a Third-World country. Textiles, shepherds, cool outfits.”  Klaue informs Ross, “All a front. Explorers have searched for it, called it ‘El Dorado’. They looked for it in South America, but it was in Africa the whole time. I’m the only one who’s seen it, and made it out alive.”
11. Leaders Know The True Impact Of Their Decisions And Actions On Others.  They Understand The Power Of Their Influence. – T’Challa said, “What happens now determines what happens to the rest of the world.”
12. Leaders Are Always Advancing, Always Taking New Ground, And Always Moving Forward – Ross said to T’Challa, “I have seen gods fly.  I have seen men build weapons that I couldn’t even imagine.  I have seen aliens drop from the sky.  But I have never seen anything like this.  How much more are you hiding?
13. What Comes To A Leader Must Flow Through A Leader – Part of the challenges faced by the nation of Wakanda was their incredible wealth, technology and resources.  Rather than choosing to share with the world and help meet the needs of others, the nation historically kept all the resources for themselves.
14. Some Leaders Simply Have Evil Intentions – Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, “I’ve waited my whole life for this.  The world’s going to start over.  I’m going to burn it all!”
15. Great Leaders Have A Singular Focus – T’Challa asked, “What do you want?”  To which Killmonger replied, “I want the throne!”
16. We All Have Daddy Issues – Killmonger’s father said to him, “No man is perfect, not even your farther.  You can’t let your father’s mistakes define who you are.”
17. Killmonger said referring to the slaves coming to America from Africa, “They knew death was better than bondage.”
18. In a post credit scene T’Challa said, “Wise build bridges.  Foolish build barriers.”
19. Smart Leaders Never Underestimate People.  They Always See What They Are Capable Of – A second quote from the post credit scenes came from a foolish United Nations representative, “What does a nation of farmers have to offer the rest of the world?”

Once again, this movie is an absolute must-see!  Simply incredible!  Go see it this weekend.

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