If you thought the movie ‘Maleficent’ was only one little kids could enjoy – or learn something from – you couldn’t be more wrong.
Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) offers business and career women a number of lessons that are necessary in order for us to succeed in business. And okay, most days the business world is not like a scary fairy tale. But then there are those other days…
1. The Male Flatterer can be anyone
The film kicks off with the story of the fairy Maleficent and how she fell in love with a young human boy. While his feelings were mutual they weren’t as strong as his desire to become king – ultimately betraying her in order to fulfill that desire.
This warns you not all men in business can be trusted; and some of them are not above telling you what they think you want to hear for their own benefit. Remember that.
2. Women are strongest when they work together
Tall Poppy Syndrome can crop up any time. People often get jealous of success and want to undermine it and work against you … and sometime those underminers can be women. However, Maleficent shows us women stand to gain the most when they work together.
The bond that is formed between Maleficent and Aurora saves both women in different ways. It allows Maleficent to open up again, after years of anger and isolation, while it literally saves Aurora’s life at the end of the film.
If a strong connection between two women can do that in a fairy tale fiction, imagine the possibilities it could create in business.
3. Know your worth
Throughout the film, Maleficent is judged on her appearance and the fact she is a fairy. Understandably, she becomes untrusting of people – but throughout it all she never doubts her own abilities.
She knows she is a strong woman who can succeed on her own, and it is exactly this kind of confidence every woman should have in business.
4. Never give up
Maleficent was left devastated when Stefan betrayed her, but she didn’t let that stop her on her path. Instead of choosing to wallow in self-pity she decided to bounce back stronger than ever and prove she could not be kept down.
As a businesswoman, there will be times when your position in a company is tested. When this happens, take a page out of Maleficent’s book and prove you shouldn’t be underestimated.
5. Learn from your mistakes
No one can deny Maleficent wasn’t completely innocent. She could be cruel when she wanted to be, even to the extent of putting Aurora under a curse. However, she was also able to admit when she was in the wrong, regretting her decision to place the curse on Aurora – and trying to rectify it.
This is a trait you should definitely have in business. If you know you’ve gone about something the wrong way whether it is with clients, your boss or another employee don’t ignore it but learn from it. This isn’t a sign of weakness; in fact it will help you become a better businesswoman.
Maleficent is a flawed character, but a strong one nonetheless. Despite the film being set in a fantasy world, some of the traits Maleficent possesses are ones we would admire and salute in any business or career woman.
