Harnessing Ancient Viking Wisdom for Modern Business Leadership Success

A Modern Take on Viking Leadership

In the modern business world, there's a lot to be learned from the ancient Viking culture, particularly when it comes to leadership principles. The Viking way is making a resurgence, not as a call for conquest but as a call for collaboration and values-driven leadership. It's about focusing on long-term goals and aligning both individual and collective interests through shared purpose and mutual trust. This shift is particularly evident in Norway, a country deeply rooted in Viking traditions.

The Norse Influence on Leadership Today

Today, Norwegian leaders like Nicolai Tangen, Jens Stoltenberg, and Johan Brand are pioneering this new leadership model by incorporating key Viking values such as likestilling (equality) and tillit (trust) into their strategies. These values are more than just ideals—they actively shape how leaders engage with their teams. By encouraging a sense of equality, Norwegian leaders create spaces where every team member feels respected and essential. Trust is another cornerstone that Norwegian leaders emphasize, fostering environments where innovation and risk-taking thrive. This is instrumental in cultivating a culture of accountability and ownership among team members.

Leading with Vision and Accountability

Nicolai Tangen, the CEO of Norway’s massive sovereign wealth fund, is a prime example of a leader who integrates values into a high-performance culture. Under his guidance, the fund has undergone several reforms aimed at upholding ethical standards while ensuring sustainable financial returns. His approach underscores that financial gains and ethical practices are not mutually exclusive, even amidst the pressures of the corporate world. Tangen’s commitment to addressing climate change as a priority—despite opposition—demonstrates a leadership style that favors future well-being over short-term success.

The Power of Consensus and Diplomacy

Similarly, Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s former Prime Minister and now a leading figure in international diplomacy, shines as a proponent of consensus and collective security. His inclusive leadership style, characterized by calmness and pragmatism, brought diverse political factions together, especially during Norway’s financial challenges in the early 2000s. By advocating for a culture of consensus, Stoltenberg exemplifies how trust and cooperation can be pivotal, even on the global stage. His diplomatic finesse is reminiscent of Norway’s ethos of value-centered leadership that the world is increasingly starting to value.