The King Cnut Theory of Leadership

Lets hope I didn't mistype that

“His nobleness and greatness of mind were eminently displayed… When at the summit of his power, he ordered a seat to he placed for him on the sea-shore when the tide was coming in; thus seated, he shouted to the flowing sea, "Thou, too, art subject to my command, as the land on which I am seated is mine; and no one has ever resisted my commands with impunity. I command you, then, not to flow over my land, nor presume to wet the feet and the robe of your lord". The tide, however, continuing to rise as usual, dashed over his feet and legs without respect to his royal person. Then the king leaped backwards, saying: "Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws". From thenceforth King Canute never wore his crown of gold, but placed it for a lasting memorial on the image of our Lord affixed to a cross, to the honour of God the almighty King: through whose mercy may the soul of Canute, the king enjoy everlasting rest. - Henry of Huntingdon, Historia Anglorum

Cnut was an 11th century Danish king and the son of Harald Bluetooth, inventor of the Bluetooth short range wireless technology standard. Cnut was pretty good at kinging and his kingdom expanded to include England, Denmark and Norway. But that’s not what he is famous for. “Canute” has become a byword for arrogance - telling the waves to turn back. As we can see above, that’s not how the story goes. In the first recounted version of the story, Cnut’s behaviour is a conscious choice of his to dramatize the limits of kingly power before the might of God and Nature. Later versions add more explicitly that he was seeking to rebuke the flattery of his courtiers.

Now it is doubtful that this actually happened. Cnut had been dead for over 50 years before Huntingdon was born but it demonstrates a particular model of kingship. The king’s rule is not absolute, it is constrained by forces beyond his control and he would do well to respect them or to be consumed by them.

“But no sooner had the strait been bridged than a great storm swept down, breaking and scattering everything. When Xerxes heard of this, he was very angry and commanded that the Hellespont be whipped with three hundred lashes, and a pair of fetters be thrown into the sea. I have even heard that he sent branders with them to brand the Hellespont. He commanded them while they whipped to utter words outlandish and presumptuous, “Bitter water, our master thus punishes you, because you did him wrong though he had done you none. Xerxes the king will pass over you, whether you want it or not; in accordance with justice no one offers you sacrifice, for you are a turbid and briny river.” He commanded that the sea receive these punishments and that the overseers of the bridge over the Hellespont be beheaded.” - Herodotus, The Histories

This is in contrast to the account of the Persian king Xerxes by Herodotus. Xerxes is mounting an invasion of Greece. Nature foils his plans and Xerxes responds in a fit of childish frustration. Xerxes the Despot will not be limited by anything.

Cnut and Xerxes provide two models of leadership for us. The very nature of leadership is that we must take people to new places. This is an uncertain endeavour and requires bravery - and also some brass neck. Leaders who have achieved some success will be surrounded by people telling them how awesome they are and they may struggle to get honest feedback about the viability of their plans. Arrogance is an occupational hazard of leadership.

Leaders like Xerxes will attempt to realize their vision, no matter that the cost. They may succeed. But they are equally as likely to fail and to take others down with them.

Leaders like Cnut are aware of that reality may have other plans and will adjust their visions when confronted by its brute presence.

How can you be more like Cnut? Well, you definitely need to have a Charlie Watts.