Perhaps the best time to observe a company’s true spirit is not in time of success, but in time of trouble. In 2000, Firestone and Ford had to recall 6.5 million tires with proven defects and many more in 2001. This is an act of the impeccable warrior-doing what is right inspite of the cost. In the 1990s, when children became sick from Jack-in-the-Box food, the company came forward to cover medical expenses. Another act of impeccability. Similarly, the Tylenol recall in the 1980s.

In spite of the financial costs which could end the company’s life, these companies chose to overcome their fear of death and act with impeccable principles. They survived and became stronger through their actions.

This is the work of the West-to lose the fear of death and change, and by doing so, become an impeccable warrior whose principles drive the corporate behavior. This is the essence of what Stephen Covey calls the principle-centered leader. In contrast to the usual corporate warrior who needs to fight to prove his or her worth, this is the warrior who chooses battles carefully. The need for enemies to justify one’s existence reveals the shadow portions of one’s character.

For the common person, death is seen as a predator that stalks life. Death can also stalk a company. Death does not arrive suddenly, but grows within a company slowly consuming its life force. For the shaman, the work of the West is to release this predatory relationship with death. The shamanic leader seeks to make Death an ally, a consultant about the choices to be made. People spend far too much time working on their immortality plans, when the shaman knows that time on this planet is precious and death is only the shapeshift into spirit.

For the shamanic leader, evolution favors an industry, not a company. When the shaman steps into a collaborative relationship with death, the universe begins to actively conspire with them.

On a national level, Americans think of General Colin Powell as a model warrior who is impeccable and chooses his battles wisely. On a corporate level, perhaps Stephen Covey. Who do you consider to be an impeccable warrior? When have you been an impeccable warrior at work or at home?

Practices of the Warrior

• impeccability - acting from principles and values
• engaging death as an ally

The Shadow Warrior

            The dark sides of the warrior archetype are the:

• Tyrant - Hitler
• Mercenary - "Hired Gun"
• Weakling - Political "weasel"

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(C) 2003 Jay Arthur (888) 468-1537 knowwareman@mindspring.com

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