The document provides an analysis of the movie "300" and lessons about leadership that can be learned from the Spartan king Leonidas. It discusses Leonidas' background as the heir to the Spartan throne and his training as a warrior. The main theme is the historic Battle of Thermopylae between the Spartans and Persians, where Leonidas led 300 Spartan soldiers against an invading Persian army of over 2 million. The analysis highlights many leadership traits and strategies demonstrated by Leonidas that contributed to Spartan success, such as courage, empowering followers, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.

1. MOVIE ANALYSIS PROJECT
“300”
Presented by:
Sidra Rafique

2. INTRODUCTION
The movie 300 is based on the historical fight of Thermopylae
between Persians and Greek Spartans. The whole movie is revolved
around leadership skills of great Spartan king named “Leonidas”.
 Main character: ‘Leonidas’ - the Brave

3. BACKGROUND
In (530-480) B.C., Leonidas was third son born to the great king of Sparta
state and believed as direct successor of Heracles.
Leonidas was also known as “the son of the lion” due to his bloodline and
soon departed from his mother at a very young age to learn at military
Spartan school.
He learnt the great lessons of Honor and Respect from there and returned
to be a great undefeatable king.
Spartan were used to call themselves as “Arcadians” and were known to be
the finest warriors. Their strengths were:
 Courage
 Great battle skills
 Belief in themselves

4. MAIN THEME:
BATTLE FOR CITIZENSHIP AGAINST
PERSIAN
Persian Empire ruled
by Xerxes
Message to Spartan
king
Battle against 2
million soldiers with
only 300 trained
military men. (14,000
in total)

5. BATTLE AGAINST PERSIAN KING &
LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS
Making unique decisions (unaccustomed) - decision of taking only
300 soldiers
Virtues to be kept by a leader - honor and respect; those powerful
and worth living merits that a nation can either live or die for them.
Leaders are more effected by environmental forces - Spartan king
stood on first row while being attacked by Persian troops and
boosted to fight against forces by standing first against them.
“No retreat, no surrender. That is Spartan law!” - By Spartan law, 300
Spartans were meant to defend their homeland till the last breath. A
leader is meant to stick with his set goals and mission, no matter if
the only thing that can be predicted is loss
Courage to stand against wrong - A leader must also be courageous
to take right decisions at right time.

6. BATTLE AGAINST PERSIAN KING &
LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS
Face the challenges and hardships bravely- The Spartan king
boosted his army in critical near to loss situation that “Spartans!
Ready your breakfast and eat hearty, for tonight we dine in hell!”
Leader leads with his integrity - Plan such policies and strategies
that people will know you can’t be bribed or flattered for bad choices.
Sacrifice for greater good - He treated himself not as a hero but a
leader who is willing to fulfill his duty for the great sacrifice of honor
and commitment. (win hearts)
Empowerment - When followers see their leader doing right thing, it
creates empowerment of the leader.
Utilize your surroundings and resources positively - Spartan king
utilized narrow cliffs and tricky mountain heights advantageously
which were thought to be a trouble

7. BATTLE AGAINST PERSIAN KING &
LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS
“Come back with your shield or on it” - The Spartan belief system for honor
and respect mission was strong that helped them to overcome every coming
hurdle
 “We’ll fight in the shade” - When Spartan king had worst conditions of
battle, he changed his planning promptly. (instant positive decisions)
Be a man of your words
Leading as Foreseer - always provide descendants for the next lead.
Know your resource and then have trust on it - other adjoining teams who
wanted to participate were more in number but not proficient. Spartan king
did not believe on weak and fragile warriors.
Promote yourself as a brand - Spartan lived and killed in the name of
reputation and honor. Fighting 2 million with just 300 is not an insane
decision but to promote your ideology and brand.

8. LEADERSHIP STYLE IN MOVIE ‘300’
 It was mainly autocracy and the followers believed in their leaders with
deep trust. So discussing about the present theoretical styles of leadership is
impractical.
Common leadership traits of Leonidas focused determination, spirit of
freedom, self-sacrifice and great comradeship.
Gray & Callahan (2008), 300 movie is based on skill-based approach
including: Wisdom, Intelligence and Creativity.
1. Technical skills – by building knowledge and proficiency in that area.
(warrior skills)
2. Human skills – Working with people to understand and adapt differences
by equally developing trust and loyalty in them. (team building and social
bonding)
3. Conceptual skills – Providing opportunities of development and career
growth. (developing expert descendent)

9. THANK YOU