Leadership Lessons In Beowulf The story of Beowulf offers many lessons that can be interpreted in different ways. In my article I will focus on the theme of leadership. Leadership can present itself in a multitude of places in a person’s life, but for me it appears most in my work with student council. Those on student council are required to be leaders for not only others in the group, but all students in a particular school. If it weren’t for student council I wouldn’t have of grown into the leader I am today and I feel that I can improve my skills with lessons learned from Beowulf. The first lesson I recognized is knowing the difference between arrogance and confidence. Confidence becomes arrogance when you use your stance to look down on someone or you begin acting in ways that are solely for personal gain (Berkun). Beowulf is seen being confident as well as arrogant. For example, as Beowulf reflects on a contest he participated in, he says, …show more content…
Understanding your competition’s strengths and weaknesses allows you to construct a plan with an outcome that will favor you. Before Beowulf slays Grendel he says, “When it comes to fighting I count myself as dangerous any day as grendel. So it won’t be a cutting edge I’ll weild to mow him down, easily as I might” (Heaney, 677-680). Because Beowulf knew that Grendel could not be killed with a weapon he was ready to plan an attack. Beowulf lived while those who chose to strike with weapons did not all because he knew what he was up against. He was prepared and that is what kept him from dying. Being prepared is a massive part of leading. If a plan is made, whatever project you are trying to see through has a higher chance of succeeding. In student council you need to be prepared for any backlash you may receive. There will always be those who don’t see the same as you and being prepared to handle any indifferences is a huge part of the