Which "Star Wars" Character Would Be the Best CEO?
Good versus evil. Whether trying to strike a balance around the galaxy, battling competitors or trying to squash the latest intraoffice drama, some leaders can get it done while others fail miserably. Film junkies may find themselves daydreaming and placing some of the greatest movie characters of all time into real-life workplace showdowns. So which "Star Wars" character would make the best CEO? In no particular order:
Anakin Skywalker: The protagonist of the "Star Wars" franchise, Anakin has been to hell and back through his rise in The Force, his fall to the dark side and his eventual redemption. While that life experience would make him a knowledgeable and instinctual CEO in its own right, Anakin also possesses problem-solving skills, technical savvy and a competitive attitude. He also can see events before they happen, which would be especially helpful for any leader. Anakin's downside is that he is prone to rage and deception, so bad news and computer passwords might be best kept from him. He also might tire of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Luke Skywalker: Though originally an immature, superficial youth, Luke is called by a strong sense of duty and a desire to be a part of something larger than himself, which gets him brownie points in the leadership category. Through the help of Yoda, Luke learned how to master his emotions and put the greater good above his personal gain or satisfaction.
Princess Leia: Leia embodies today's concept of the career woman. Beautiful and put together, yet adept at firing a blaster or manning a ship, the princess could command a company with her drive and courage alone. This senator and leader of the Rebel Alliance possesses a devotion to duty and freedom, which could work both for and against her. Her metal bikini might also distract her underlings.
Darth Vader: Discipline is this dude's middle name, and his dominance could easily transfer to a Fortune 500 company. However, his less savory traits — the easily stoked anger and penchant for inspiring fear to name a couple — might lead to high secretary turnover.
Han Solo: This smuggler captain would bring both gall and gentleness to any venture. With the Wookiee Chewbacca as his personal assistant, Solo is a loner with strong instincts who would do anything to increase the value of the company's stock. But a temperamental nature and shady visage could keep others from wanting to do business with him.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Obi-Wan, with his longevity and ability to ride the waves of tumult throughout his career, would be the mentoring type of leader. At first a mysterious hermit, he revealed himself as a dedicated and kind Jedi Master and tutored Luke Skywalker to use The Force. Obi-Wan Kenobi is definitely not one to go along with the crowd, as is evidenced from his famous disagreements with Qui-Gon Jinn, a proponent of the living Force over the more serene unifying Force.
Yoda: Who said that employers prefer to hire tall people? This equal parts hideous and huggable wise one trained Luke Skywalker in the ways of the Jedi and serves as Grand Master of the Jedi Order in the prequel trilogy. Yoda is deep yet determined, even taking up arms in the Clone Wars. He saved his own life and those of others, and he knows when to act and when to exert patience.
Chewbacca: Though slightly dependent on Han Solo, with whom he pilots the Millennium Falcon in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, this old, hairy Wookiee warrior exudes great strength and loyalty. A veteran of the Clone Wars, Chewbacca is wise and fantastically skilled at starship piloting and repair. He will use force to get his way, however, which could prove problematic in the conference room.
Jabba the Hutt: Not exactly the warm and fuzzy pick to lead your enterprise, the obese and obstinate Jabba possesses two key characteristics of a good CEO: the insatiable hunger for power and the ability to turn a profit. A ruthless crime lord who employs smugglers — including Han Solo — to traffic his illicit goods, he immensely enjoys torturing and embarrassing his many servants. While Jabba should be kept in an entirely separate building from the company peons, his large corporate muscle would help the business meet success.
Darth Maul: Though almost entirely absent of personality, Maul is another example of devotion to a singular cause, in this case, the dark Force. He is skilled in the Jedi arts and works wonders with a lightsaber. While he eventually died after being cut in two by Obi-Wan, Darth's dedication and determination should keep him in the running for the top rung of the corporate ladder.
