alexander

100 THE WISDOM OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
These years were a relative wasteland, given the greatness
of his early accomplishments.
Inferences and Allegations
Alexander could be cited for consolidating the empire he
inherited—creating a more identifiable whole than the
vagueness that preceded him. That alone would warrant
greatness. Also, Alexander’s curiosity, shaped by Aristotle,
was insatiable, so he may actually have intended eventually
to subdue China.
Leading Lessons
Why Alexander expended so much time is inexplicable, and
I will not try my hand at meager speculation. However, I
will ask the reader to introspect, merely by observing the
obvious—that all of us have periods in our lives that are
less productive than others, that we often make decisions
whose implications we have to live with for years, decades,
or even the rest of our lives. Even the greatest of leaders
have their bad periods. These periods of stupidity and
doubt may produce enduringly bad decisions that haunt
them. We shouldn’t abuse ourselves too mercilessly. Introspect
and learn from those failings, and they are not wasted.
Mistakes are usually our most important teacher.
On a more positive note, we should all be reminded that
every organization needs a strategic plan. Without one, we
often find ourselves adrift, chasing ephemeral goals but forgetting
our larger purpose. Vision and plans remind us and
our organizations of our larger purpose.