Leadership Lessons From Building the Great Wall of China

by Abraham Robinson

Overview

The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive man-made structures in the world. Some lessons about leadership can be gained from its 2,000 years of history.
Build on Pre-Existing Things

While the first emperor of all China is usually credited with building the Great Wall, most of what he did was connect pre-existing wall segments.

Look Carefully for Signs of Weakness

All major Chinese dynasties repaired and expanded the Great Wall. When they weakened, however, the Wall was left unguarded, leaving China open to invasion from the north.
Be Careful About Who is Guarding the Gate

The Great Wall was built to keep out raiders. When China was short on soldiers, nomads were hired to guard the gates, and they actually let the raiders in.
Don't Grow Too Large

While China was contained south of the Great Wall, it served as an effective defense against raiding and invasion. Over time, however, China expanded to the north, until the wall was no longer an effective northern barrier.
Don't Push the People Too Hard

The construction of the Great Wall of China was accomplished mostly by brutal, forced labor. Shortly after the Great Wall's completion, peasant revolts against the Qin ended the dynasty.

Overview