I am a big fan of the X-Men series. I have to admit it, I’m a guy. I like things that are big, loud, shiny, blow-up, and require a lot of special effects. X-Men: First Class fits the bill though I would leave the kids at home. It is much more violent and suggestive than the previous movies.
The following are the leadership quotes and principles from the movie.
- “You unlock your gift with anger and praise” says Sebastian Shaw played by Kevin Bacon. Whether it is a holy discontent, deep burden, or an injustice that must be made right, extreme emotions leveraged properly can unleash giftedness, creativity, and solutions.
- “Any involvement of the mutant involves the extinction of the less evolved kind.” – When we discover better ways to deliver business or ministry, we must be willing to end former practices no matter how popular or successful they once were.
- “I’m Frankenstein’s monster!” These are the comments made by Erik Lehnsherr/Magnito played by Michael Fassbender. The reality is that we will all sit down to a banquet of consequences. We can choose our decisions. We simply don’t get to choose our consequences.
- “I know a lab rat when I see one. I’ve been one.” – also said by Erik. We have greater empathy with people when we have actually experienced what they are going through and have walked in their shoes.
- “I wouldn’t call it a war necessarily. That suggests that both sides have an equal chance of winning.” – There are times in leadership when discretion truly is the better part of valour.
- “True focus lies between rage and serenity.” – Charles Xavier, played by James McAvoy, helps Erik unleash all his power by teaching him this basic truth. Leaders, do you have a proper balance between a passion to make a difference and the peace of knowing you are equipped to fulfill your task and assignment?
- Coaching and Training Maximizes Talent – As Charles and Erik were preparing their team for the final battle scene, much training was involved. It was a lesson that no matter how gifted and talented you are, effective coaching will always help you improve current performance.
- “They’re good people. They’re just carrying out orders!” As Erik was carrying out vengeance at various points in the movie, this is what was told to him on several occasions. As a leader, I have often had to carry out orders that I didn’t support or believe in. The fact that I did still bothers me to this day. Did I lack courage? What if I got fired, would God take care of me? Was I just being a faithful and good soldier? Did I do the right thing? Was God pleased with me? I still don’t have answers to those questions. Have you ever been there as a leader?
- Embrace Your Uniqueness – The X-Men movies remind us of Psalm 139:13-14 which states, “For Thou didst form my inward part; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
- What Satisfies – Revenge is a dish best served cold. However, it simply doesn’t satisfy your soul or bring peace.
On a side note, this movie will always have a special place in my heart because the ocean and beach battle scenes were filmed in Jekyll Island, Georgia while my wife and I were vacationing there.
Anyway, that’s my insights from the movie. What are your thoughts?
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