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Legend has it that Genghis Khan, who was born in Asia in 1165, possessed a blood clot at birth which foreshadowed his future greatness as a warrior. The title "Genghis Khan" was adopted by various tribes and nations in central Asia, signifying the concept of a "Universal Ruler." Nevertheless, Genghis Khan stood out among these Khans as the most exceptional one. Despite being often compared to Hitler and known for his brutality, Genghis Khan's true nature is far more captivating. How did this uneducated outsider manage to unite the warring tribes of Mongolia and transform them into an impressive nation? Moreover, how did he mold the Mongol hordes into a merciless and disciplined army? (Abbott, 1902)
A sneak peek at Genghis Khan.
Genghis Khan, originally named Temujin, was born in 1165 near the river Onon.
At the age of 9, his father was killed by Tatars, who ruled eastern Mongolia at that time. Although young and lacking support from his father's followers, they refrained from harming him to avoid conflicts with his relatives.
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Consequently, Temujin and his mother were abandoned by their clan out of fear for his claim to leadership. Subsequently, they had to fight for survival as his father's followers had left them after the murder (Historic World Leaders, 1994). Eventually, at 14 years old, he was captured by the Taichi'uts but successfully managed to escape.
Then, Genghis Khan quickly married his first wife, Borte. Regrettably, she was later captured by his enemy. In order to rescue her, he joined forces with Jamuka, his blood brother, and Toghrill.
However, this mission caused a rift between Temujin and Jamuka as they both desired to lead the clan and become the Khan who could unite the Mongol people. They were unwilling to serve as each other's subordinates. In 1185, the Mongol princes acknowledged Temujin as their ruler. Despite encountering numerous challenges, he persisted and emerged victorious (Historic World Leaders, 1994). In 1206, Temujin successfully unified all of the Mongol tribes and was proclaimed the emperor of all Mongols. He also received the title Genghis Khan which means "Universal Monarch".
Xu (2002) states that Genghis Khan started his conquest of Asia and Europe, resulting in the creation of the largest empire ever. By 1213, the Mongolians had crossed the Great Wall and entered northern China. In 1215, Beijing was sacked by Genghis Khan's army before they continued westward, committing brutal massacres in 1219. It is believed that he suffered a fatal internal injury after falling off his horse and died in 1227. At the time of his death, he had conquered territories from Turkey to Russia, as well as northern India and China (Schlager and Lauer, 2001). However, it is undeniable that Genghis Khan was an extremely ruthless conqueror.
Historical accounts suggest that when Genghis Khan's army conquered a city, they would execute men taller than a wheel and enslave women, elderly individuals, and children. It is estimated that under Genghis Khan's leadership, the Mongolian army caused the deaths of approximately 30 million people in China and a total of 200 million people across Asia and Europe. In 1122, China had a population of about 93.47 million; however, by 1274 when Genghis Khan's descendants established the Yuan dynasty, this number had decreased significantly to around 8.87 million. There was once a rumor claiming that he personally killed 1,748,000 people within an hour; however, this rumor has been proven false (Qing et al., 2011).
Effective leaders possess certain characteristics.
Genghis Khan demonstrates consistent leadership qualities in various situations, including physical and background traits, personality and ability traits, as well as task and social traits. One specific example of this is his physical and background characteristic.
From both a physical and background standpoint, he consistently exhibited strong energy. His life was dedicated to merging various Mongolian tribes and expanding his dominion as much as feasibly achievable. Upon his demise, the leader he became governed an area spanning from Turkey to China, Russia, and northern India. Despite this remarkable feat, he remained illiterate throughout his entire life and never received any formal education.
Personality or ability trait
Genghis Khan possesses an unparalleled personality and charisma, along with exceptional creativity. He emerged from a nomadic tribe that existed in a primitive state, relying primarily on bow-and-arrow and sword as weapons. However, during his conquest, Genghis Khan introduced various technological advancements. Notably, he invented the central Asian compound bow, which proved to be as powerful as the European crossbow. Additionally, he revolutionized warfare by incorporating gunpowder into arrows, greatly aiding in the destruction of heavy European armor.
Also, Genghis Khan, who invented the Mongol military tactics and organization, played a crucial role in helping the Mongol Emperor conquer almost all of continental Asia, the Middle East, and parts of eastern Europe. This military system can be seen as the first "modern" system. (May, 2007) Genghis Khan possessed self-confidence without ego. The magnitude of his control over one third of the world eliminated any doubts about his self-confidence. As a tactician and strategist, he demonstrated initiative and excellence in seizing opportunities. He was also adaptable, readily adjusting to changing situations. Whenever Genghis Khan identified new policy needs, he promptly took action.
Social characteristic
Renowned for his social traits, Genghis Khan is famous for his talent in collaborating with followers, devising strategies, and pioneering new inventions. He inspires loyalty through exceptional leadership qualities and fosters social connections with remarkable organizational skills. Similar to his army, he upholds discipline at elevated levels. His strategic and organizational abilities resulted in the formation of one of history's most formidable armies, which he was destined to lead. (May, 2003)
Leadership Behavior
A good leader influences members of the group towards achieving group goals in a way that is viewed as legitimate. They not only organize the group but also unite its members to achieve great effectiveness. Genghis Khan demonstrated various leadership behaviors to influence his followers throughout his life.
Directive Leadership Behavior
Genghis Khan possesses a distinct vision that clearly defines his desired direction. He establishes objectives for his followers and effectively plans and coordinates their tasks. As a commander and strategist, his foresight is exceptional. An example that showcases his long-term thinking is Genghis Khan's aspiration to conquer central China. Nevertheless, upon establishing his own regime in eastern Mongolia, he deviates from expectations by refraining from attacking the Jin Dynasty. This dynasty had previously seized control of northern China through the Jurchen people. Genghis Khan understands that such an assault would result in subsequent attacks from other tribes in the west of Mongolia. Consequently, he chooses not to pursue a direct attack on northern China, electing instead to focus on the integration of Mongolia. (Qing, 2011)
Charismatic Leadership Behavior
Genghis Khan's success can be attributed to his unique characteristics and charisma. He possessed a distinct personality that captivated and inspired his followers. According to R.P. Lister, one of Genghis Khan's strengths was his ability to ignite fervor and devotion in his supporters, driving them with both self-preservation and madness. Surprisingly, all of his comrades remained loyal to him without ever betraying him. Genghis Khan never doubted their loyalty and always rewarded them after each victory. Instead of consolidating power by eliminating them, he distributed power among his ministers.
Leadership behaviors related to rewards and punishments
Genghis Khan, a prominent leader, displayed clear leadership behaviors. One of these behaviors was his tendency to reward success. He believed that when his troops defeated the enemy, everyone should receive their share of the spoils. Additionally, he made sure to acknowledge and reward individuals who made significant contributions to the success of their endeavors. On the other hand, Genghis Khan also punished those who broke his laws and rules. He expected all of his followers to understand and strictly adhere to his rules. As an illustration, if a soldier deserted his unit, he would face execution. Another example is if a soldier failed to stop and assist a fellow warrior whose baggage fell from his horse, he would also be executed. Moreover, if any troop members failed to support two or more comrades who had achieved great progress, they too faced execution (Man, 2009).
Participative leadership behavior involves leaders who actively engage their team members in decision making and problem-solving processes.
Genghis Khan distinguished himself from other rulers by actively participating in conquest throughout his entire life, even until his death. Few rulers in history have matched his level of engagement in conquest. Moreover, Genghis Khan possessed a talent for seeking counsel and held deep respect for those who provided advice. He consistently involved his followers in decision-making and had a knack for selecting and utilizing capable individuals. For instance, during the early years of his conquests, he would eliminate anyone obstructing him. However, a former official of the Chinese emperor proposed an alternative approach to Genghis Khan: instead of killing people in conquered lands, they could offer valuable tax money to finance further warfare. Genghis Khan embraced this advice, demonstrating his openness to considering different strategies (Schlager and Lauer, 2001).
Genghis Khan's leadership in the hospitality industry is often admired due to his status as ruler of the largest empire in history. His personal charisma was a valuable asset, raising the question of how his leadership traits and behaviors can be applied in this industry. This paragraph analyzes how his charismatic behavior and approach to rewarding and punishing followers can be utilized in hospitality. Genghis Khan's charisma significantly impacted his followers' attitudes, behaviors, and values. One crucial aspect is the importance of having a vision, which applies not only to hospitality but also other industries.
Genghis Khan possessed exceptional vision, always maintaining clarity on his next course of action. When he embarked on conquering the Mongol, he had a vision that emphasized the power of unity in overcoming individual challenges. Ultimately, his ability to unify his tribe posed a threat to all his adversaries. Over time, Khan's vision evolved, encompassing grander objectives such as national unity, empire-building, and even global conquest (Encyclopedia of World Biography, 1998).
Similar to Genghis Khan, a hotel's general manager must possess the right vision and inspire their followers to share this vision. It is crucial for a hotel's general manager to analyze the hotel's objectives and identify its most pressing needs. This entails envisioning how efficient administration can enhance the hotel's revenue per available room (RevPar) and determining the ideal marketing strategy given specific circumstances. Additionally, consideration should be given to whether customers are satisfied with the services provided and how employee needs align with the hotel's requirements.
A hotel general manager should possess the ability to adapt and adjust their vision as the situation evolves. It is crucial to hire highly qualified individuals for the job. Genghis Khan demonstrated a notable characteristic by effectively utilizing people, regardless of their background. For example, he recognized the administrative skills of one of his prisoners and enlisted them to compensate for his own deficiencies. He formed a diverse team with members from various regions including Mongolian, Jurchen, Chinese, Jin, etc. The selection of the right person, irrespective of nationality, was one of Genghis's exceptional skills (Shelton, 2005). However, in contemporary society, many leaders feel threatened by those who surpass them in capabilities and thus fail to recognize their value as assets. In the hospitality industry where service is intangible, perishable, inseparable and variable; customers judge hotels not only based on amenities but also on the quality of service they provide.
Placing the right individuals in various roles is crucial for leaders in the hospitality industry to boost profits. Hiring good employees is just the first step; effectively utilizing these employees is even more important. Additionally, turnover rates tend to be high as employees frequently switch jobs due to job dissatisfaction. If managers fail to cultivate positive relationships with their employees, commitment will be lacking. It is essential for managers to understand that all employees have basic needs beyond money, honors, or high positions; these needs involve discovering their own value. Lastly, perseverance was key for Genghis Khan who faced great risks during his childhood for survival and continued conquering until his life's end.
Genghis Khan's sole focus in life was to ensure that his enemies faced consequences, a dedication he maintained despite gaining immense power and without being swayed by material possessions or wealth. Similarly, perseverance is crucial for leaders in the present hospitality industry. China has witnessed rapid growth in this sector, with renowned international hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Carlson consistently expanding their presence through the annual opening of new star-scale hotels. Despite abundant opportunities, many individuals choose to leave and pursue careers in fields such as finance or accounting. Nonetheless, persistence in the hospitality industry can lead to success for both hotel leaders and employees at all levels.
Because there are more opportunities in the hospitality industry compared to others, such as finance which is almost saturated and difficult to progress in, it is beneficial for a hotel manager to persist in this field. Despite starting with a lower basic salary in a hotel, a hospitality major student in China can enjoy ample opportunities with less risk. Opting for a less risky industry during uncertain times can yield greater returns. The directive leadership style of Genghis Khan, who had a clear vision for his Mongol hordes and established strict rules that even the royal family had to adhere to, can be effectively applied in the hospitality industry.
This is a significant step for Genghis Khan to establish his control over the population and unite them in support of his expansionist policies. He assigned different tasks to his followers, and in return, they made great commitments. In the hospitality industry, some employees perform poorly in their services because they lack clarity about their goals and the rules. In such situations, a directive leader is necessary to guide followers, focus on tasks, and clarify rules. Additionally, leaders should exhibit reward and punishment behavior in the hospitality industry. Hotel managers or supervisors should be aware of their followers' accomplishments and merits. They can establish a salary system to reward and motivate followers. It's important for leaders to distribute rewards fairly among their followers to ensure loyal followership.
Conclusion
Genghis Khan was not just a ruler, but also a unifier. His conquests led to the establishment of an empire that stretched from Korea to Western Russia in the north and from Burma to Iraq in the south. This opened up travel and trade routes between the eastern and western worlds, making a significant impact on Eurasian history. Under Genghis Khan's reign, the once dangerous journey between East and West became relatively safe after a long period of instability. However, history also remembers him as a harsh and merciless conqueror. Genghis Khan's leadership qualities were remarkable. He possessed charisma, clarity of purpose, and a visionary mindset. He was open to criticism and maintained humility. Additionally, he excelled in selecting the right people for his cause. His organizational skills and strategic thinking led to the creation of one of the most disciplined armies in history. Notably, his leadership behaviors and traits can be applicable even in the hospitality industry, offering valuable lessons for career advancement.
The Rise and Reign of Genghis Khan. (2016, Dec 21). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/leadership-from-genghis-khan-essay
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