Maximus is a great leader and the central character in the movie “Gladiator.” He was a farmer who becomes Emperor Marcus Aurelius’s most trusted general. Not only was “Gladiator” a great movie, but the main character, Maximus, provides us with timeless lessons about leadership.

Here are seven leadership lessons from Maximus:

1. There is strength in teams: Both in battles and later as a gladiator, Maximus shows us that success requires coordinated teamwork. It’s no different in the business world. Teams can accomplish far more than any individual can. For your business to grow and thrive, you need to build a strong team that can adopt as new challenges arise.

2. Lead from the front: Maximus always leads from the front and his men follow him into battle. It’s no different in the business world. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Set the example and be willing to take on any job. Your employees will respect you and be more willing to do what it takes, when they know their leader is not afraid to lead from the front.

3. Train hard; train often: A gladiator needs to constantly train their mind and body to have a chance of survival. While you may not be risking your life, to be successful in business, training is essential. How often do you and your team train to be successful?

4. True leadership is based on trust and respect: The other gladiators don’t follow Maximus because he has power over them, they follow him because they trust and respect him. They know they are better off and their chances of survival are greater with his leadership. Command and control structures use fear to accomplish tasks, but do not breed loyalty; employees follow because they have to, not necessarily because they are motivated. As a business leader, you would be wise to understand the difference. Leaders that are followed due to their ability, charisma and leadership qualities will enjoy the loyalty of their employees and a team that will go the distance.

5. Make the best of the hand you are dealt: Within a matter of days Maximus goes from being the most powerful general in the Roman army to a slave. Yet, he does not give up, nor does he complain. Maximus makes the best of his situation and uses all of his abilities to focus on his mission of getting revenge for his family’s death and returning Rome to the Senate. He is ultimately successful because he made the best of his situation. In business and in life we need to learn to do the same. Blaming others or doing nothing does not solve problems. Get out there and take action.

6. Have a mission of passion: Maximus loves his wife and he loves his country. Throughout the movie he shows his loyalty and his passion only enhances his ability to achieve his goals. Great leaders have passion and a defining mission. I love my job and how it allows me to help others grow and succeed. I also love my girl friend and my country. By understanding your passions and focusing on what really matters to you, you can achieve greatness in those areas. What is your passion?

7. Honor is essential for a good life: Men (and woman) of honor know that it’s not just about who comes home with the most marbles. We all want to be successful, but what you do while on the journey matters. Every morning when you look in the mirror, what will you see? By living a life of honor and trying to do what is right, you make the world a better place.

Maximus lived a life of honor and meaning. It’s up to each of us to decide what we will do with our life. To borrow his famous words: “Brothers, what we do in life echoes in eternity.”

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Andy Singer is the president of Singer Executive Development, a professional training and development company that optimizes business performance of employees and executives.