Napoleon rose from obscurity to conquer Europe and become the symbol of French glory. But it is his downfall that is more telling when it comes to lessons for modern managers.
Historians would agree on two things about Napoleon. First, he was an extraordinary man, a self-made man. His drive, will, military genius and charisma made him a great man, a world historical figure, a man who made history. Second, by spreading revolutionary ideals and institutions, Napoleon made it impossible for the restoration of the ancient regime (Thompson, 2001). After Napoleon there was no turning back: feuda…
