Put Your Dreams to the Test Like Braveheart

By Mark Petticord

Do you remember the movie Braveheart? Lined up to fight the vast army of England, William Wallace rallied his ragtag army of Scottish rebels for the cause of freedom.

While the storyline was likely embellished by Hollywood-style scriptwriting, the famous speech delivered by warrior-leader William Wallace (portrayed by Mel Gibson) is a classic example of inspiring and empowering an army with a collective vision. These words of courage are some of the most inspiring in cinematic history.

“I am William Wallace. And I see a whole army of my countrymen,
here in defiance of tyranny! You have come to fight as
free men. And free men you are! What will you do without
freedom? Will you fight?”
“Fight? Against that?” a veteran shouts. “No! We will run—
and we will live!”
“Aye!” Wallace shouts back. “Fight, and you may die. Run,
and you will live, at least awhile. And dying in your beds many
years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days
from this day to that for one chance, just one chance, to come
back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives,
but they will never take our freedom?”

Are you leading and empowering your team? For most of us, unless you’re a police officer, fireman, in the military, or mother of four, your work probably does not pose a life-or-death threat each day. But as inspirational leaders, we do have three things in common with William Wallace and his army of freedom lovers. As leaders who champion the cause of personal growth and freedom, we are charged with responsibilities of:

1. Creating a collective vision;
2. Empowering people; and
3. Helping them achieve their dreams

A collective vision creates continuity and a powerful, collaborative environment where the team will flourish. As a leader, your vision must be compelling enough to motivate you and your team to take the necessary daily steps. John Maxwell shares in his book, Put Your Dreams to the Test, ten questions to ask about your dream.