Six Leadership Lessons from a Scottish Rebel


Six Leadership Lessons from a Scottish Rebel

James Graham, the Marquis of Montrose, was a 17th-century Scottish noble, poet, and general who lived and died for principle.

He wasn’t chasing power — he was fighting for honour.

Here are six lessons he left us that every modern leader should know:

  1. Stand for principles, not popularity.
    Integrity is worth more than acceptance.
  2. Earn loyalty, don’t demand it.
    People follow example, not authority.
  3. Unite the divided through purpose.
    A shared cause outlasts personal ambition.
  4. Lead with both strength and grace.
    Efficiency inspires obedience; humanity inspires loyalty.
  5. Protect what’s sacred.
    Every leader needs something they will not sell.
  6. Die standing — or live that way.
    The true test of leadership is dignity under pressure.

Montrose lost his life but kept his soul — and in doing so, became one of history’s clearest examples of moral leadership.

He reminds us that honour is undefeated.

Read the Full Article here: https://www.purpose-in-action.co.uk/2025/10/16/montrose-leadership-lessons/

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