READ TIME – 4 MINUTES
Undoubtedly one of the most critical figures in recent human history, J. Robert Oppenheimer is somebody many people can learn leadership lessons from.
Oppenheimer was a genius.
Regardless of your thoughts on his work, the man had an attitude and mind that few others have ever possessed.
His leadership role developed one of the most crucial scientific moments ever. Without him, the world may be a very different place today.
So with the release of Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, we thought we’d explore than man who inspired the film and examine the valuable leadership lessons we can learn from his life.
Gather The Best People
“Our work here will ensure a peace mankind has never seen”
The Manhattan Project wouldn’t have taken the shape it did if it wasn’t for the work of Oppenheimer’s team.
Whilst Oppenheimer may have led the operation, his work wouldn’t have materialised if it wasn’t for the team of world-class scientists he surrounded himself with.
Whether it was the direct support of Enrico Fermi or the crossing of paths with Albert Einstein, Oppenheimer had connections.
These relationships played a huge role in his work.
Is this something you’re doing yourself as a leader? Is it a leadership lesson you could take on board?
Are you surrounding yourself with people who will advise, support and encourage you to do your best?
If not, you should look at how you can build a successful team to help your achieve your goals.
The Best Leaders Keep On Top Of Things
“We’re in a race, and I know what it means”
The best leaders are flexible, reactive and ensure their teams are equipped to complete their work.
They not only plan for things they can control but put plans in place should anything unexpected occur.
This is something Oppenheimer accomplished in spades.
Before the development of The Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer was a respected scientist in theoretical physics but the need to develop nuclear weapons saw him switch from theoretics to practical science creations.
Throughout this leadership tenure, he handled the responsibility of recruiting a team of scientists and managing that team, all whilst racing against a non-existing clock to complete his project as quickly as possible.
He adapted to real-life circumstances and adjusted his approach to his work – valuable leadership lessons for all.
Can you relate to this? Has there been a time when you’ve had to adapt your approach as a leader?
There’s Always Time To Better Yourself
“You’re the great improviser but this… you can’t do in your head”
Oppenheimer’s rise to a leadership position is quite remarkable.
Reports from historians and those close to him at the time site that he was a quiet child who “blushed extraordinarily easily”.
He was supposedly a low-key child who spent his time reading philosophy in Latin and Greek.
So to go from a shy little boy to one of the most influential scientists in history, a man who would lead others in a scientific revolution is extraordinary.
Whilst his interests during his youth may have pointed to a career as an intellectual, much of his learning came outside of the classroom.
He sought engagement with others who shared his interests, be they students or professors. He wanted people to challenge his way of thinking to help him become a better man.
These developments helped him overcome his fear of speaking out loud, leading him to express his ideas to others.
When was the last time you tried to better yourself as a leader? When did you last take part in leadership training?
Great Leaders Hold Their Hands Up When They’re Wrong
“You’re the man who gave them the power to destroy themselves… and the world is not prepared”
Oppenheimer’s life can teach us many lessons about honesty, acceptance and responsibility.
What Oppenheimer did was controversial, but also a work of genius. Despite this, he did later go on to drown in remorse for what happened at the end of WWII.
These feelings and the responsibility he bears are summed up nowhere better than in his “I am Become Death” interview, discussing the emotions he felt during the first bombing.
Have there been times when you have made a business decision that has affected others? Did you own up to your mistake, or did you pass the blame to somebody else?
These are leadership lessons that you will encounter at some point during your journey, so learn how to take responsibility.
Taking Leadership Lessons From The Oppenheimer Film
If you’re heading down to the cinema to watch Christopher Nolan’s latest project, ponder upon the potential leadership lessons you can embrace in the quiet moments during the film.
Whilst we may be in for a stroke of cinematic genius, it’s critical that we take this moment to reflect upon the history that this film stems from.
Consider how real-life events can teach you leadership lessons you can embed into your business.
