LEADERSHIP AND THE OLD BATTLE AXE

BATTLE-AXES ARE SPECIAL FOREVER.

IT PAYS TO KEEP YOUR BATTLE-AXE CLEANED AND SPARKLING.

DO NOT DEGRADE IT, LIKE USING THE BATTLE-AXE TO CHOP WOOD.

An axe is an implement that has been used for millennia to shape, split and cut wood, to harvest timber, as a weapon, and as a ceremonial or heraldic symbol. The axe has many forms and specialised uses but generally consists of an axe head with a handle, or helve.

An axe produced with the specific intention of being used as a weapon in combat is called a battle axe. These were being made as far back as the Stone Age and Bronze Age. An axe intended to be thrown as a projectile is called a throwing axe. Throwing axes usually had a short handle.

The medieval battle-axe was a weapon made by a blacksmith. The battle-axe was made of iron, steel, sometimes bronze, and also wood (for its handle). The Romans used the battle-axe.

A strong willed, argumentative, overbearing and domineering old woman is often referred to as AN OLD BATTLE AXE.

My focus however is NOT the fussy old woman.

Some attributes of the Old Battle Axe interest me.

It is not cheap. Tempered steel, bronze and the ebony wood handle don't come cheap. So it has great value.

It doesn't rust. So it is eternally as potent as the first day it was made. Neither does it depreciate.

It is a potent weapon both at close range and from a distance.

The old Battle-axe has seen many wars and battles. A battle-axe captured from an enemy is an ornament of valor.

The Old Battle Axe in peace time occupies a pride of place on the wall of the Veteran.

Nobody uses a Battle-axe to chop wood.

There are many people who are old Battle-axes in our society today. In politics, in business and public administration they abound.

They have seen it all.

They have gone to many wars and have come back unscarred.

They have not been given to rust as their prowess has not diminished.

Neither have their competences waned.

If the need arises tomorrow, they are still as potent as ever.

They hang in a place of respect in the society. Admired and respected by all.

Children don't toy with them.

A clan that uses its Battle Axes to chop wood will find trouble the day the need for them arises.

A leader that treats his Old Battle Axe with disrespect will end in despair the day the need for it comes.

That person with a core competence, a specialty and special ability; That man or woman who  knows how to do something others don’t is a Battle Axe.

A government that that takes ordinary wood-cutter axes to battle by neglecting the proficient and competent for cronies and “trusted” men will lose vision and glory.

A community, Society, Organisation or Association leader that surrounds himself or herself with sycophants and yes-men and refuses to listen to sages, elders and statesmen will meet his or her waterloo where competence and widom are required.

Your BATTLE-AXE may even be a man, your knowledge, some core competency, your professional calling or a talent.

Do not degrade it, like using the battle-axe to chop wood.

It pays to keep your BATTLE-AXE cleaned and sparkling.

BATTLE-AXES are special forever.

I am Femi Ladapo Femolad