THE SUCCESS OF CYRUS THE GREAT
Kind & Mercifulness
It is one thing for a leader to command followers to bid to his or her rule, but it is another to be respected and cherished for the leader you are. In the article Nine Timeless Leadership Lessons from Cyrus the Great, written by Ryan Holiday, he describes how historians have dubbed Cyrus one of the first kings to build “his empire on generosity instead of violence and tyranny” (2012). Cyrus was unlike other kings of the century, he was kind and merciful towards his people and those he conquered. When Cyrus invaded and conquered the kingdom of Lydia, in what is now known as Turkey, he did not slaughter its king Croesus (Deering, n.d). Also, he did not execute a guilty for a first time crime. Through discussion and explanation, Cyrus did not have Croesus killed, though most kings during the time would have done so immediately. Instead, Cyrus found kinship with Croesus and treated
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This key had a remarkable impact on expanding Persian empire. Theoretically, people are less likely to obey bossy leader unless fear plays a role. Cyrus built his empire based on moral principles. He did not conquer for the sake to control the world, but for Persian empire’s interest. The strategy he followed in consulting other leaders from different ethnic background added high moral and ethical values to the empire. Cyrus spread the life of the kings Cyrus conquered their states; for example, Cyrus asked Croesus, who was one of Cyrus’s competitors, to serve as an advisor. Seeking knowledge and learning from others’ experiences are great lessons in leadership. Beside his respect for others, he was a good listener for people needs. Cyrus encouraged people to come forward if he accidentally ignored any important points. In sum, absorbing knowledge and being a good listener opened Cyrus’s path to