Commodus, Part II

Unlike his movie counterpart, the real Commodus was indeed a skilled warrior. Facing wild beasts and the bound-together lame wasn't enough of a test for him. In time, he entered the arena with weapons of war, and faced the finest gladiators in Rome. And he beat them all. He was truly a man of courage. But though he was a brave warrior with great skill, his character was another matter.

Commodus spent much of his time trying to impress the people and proclaim his own glory. He essentially turned the palace into a brothel, spent countless nights wandering around drunk, and had his own family members exiled and/or killed - along with anyone who chose to oppose him. He also butted heads with the Senate, who greatly despised his antics. Commodus considered himself the new "founder" of Rome, even going so far as to rename the empire after himself. He also thought of himself as a modern-day Hercules, often wearing animal skins and carrying a club. And he changed the Roman calendar, renaming each month after one of the titles he had given to himself.

In the mean time, the barbarians in the north - with whom Commodus had previously struck a peace accord (giving in to their terms), continued to inch closer to the empire's borders - all while Commodus abused and wasted his influence in unthinkable ways.

The breaking point for the Senate came when Commodus declared that he intended to accept the honor of being Consul - the highest and most revered office in all of Rome - while dressed as a gladiator. The night before he was to accept the consulship, those closest to him had him drugged in his sleep and strangled to death. He was only thirty-one years old, having served as Emperor for twelve short years.

Although fictitious, my favorite scene from the movie Gladiator comes when Maximus reveals himself to Commodus on the arena floor. We see Commodus turn white, jaw agape, as Maximus glares into his eyes, speaking his name and vow of revenge. Some say Commodus reacted the way he did because he was surprised to see Maximus alive. I say it's because Commodus immediately knew he didn't measure up - not as a man, and certainly not as a leader.

In reality, it's easy to see where Commodus went wrong. From day one it was all about his own pleasure and entertainment. He used and abused his people and his position, failing to lead in every imaginable way. The rapport he had with the commoners was based solely on his exploits on the coliseum floor - which was nothing but a distraction from the damage he was doing as Emperor.

His character was unexamined, his authority unchallenged, and his leadership unacceptable to his followers. As they say, "don't be that guy". Instead, check your ego at the door, examine your motives, understand the power of your influence, and make it your mission to invest in the people who choose to follow you. The success of your organization depends on it.

J.