Pirates pioneered modern business trends

They had aggressive business plans. Their CEOs were savvy operators. They were expert at downsizing. And they piled up profits in treasure chests.

They sound like great businessmen, and they were, in a sense. But, alas, they were on the wrong side of the law, and their business model was a corrupt one.

As the nation engages in another bout of Pirate Mania, thanks to the third installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, now sailing across movie screens across the country, it might be instructive to consider an interesting question: What can pirates teach us about business leadership? And the answer is: More than you might think.

In many ways pirates were ahead of their time. Consider:

+ They pioneered the art of acquisitions. They were always looking to take a rich prize.

+ They were masters of public relations. A fearsome reputation was always helpful.

+ They understood the importance of cost cutting. They marooned some of their excess costs on deserted islands. Others, not so fortunate, walked the plank.

+ They had strong leaders. The best – er, worst – commanded with a mixture of skill, daring and ruthlessness.

+ Their corporate governance was progressive. Pirates typically elected their captains by a vote of the crew. And they made key decisions as a group.

+ They knew how to pile up impressive profits. Their chests really were full of treasure.

By now you see that I am on to something here. True, the pirates took things that didn’t belong to them, and they broke a lot of laws, and they were not nice people, bless their hearts.

But isn’t it fun to think of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) running a furniture store?
I can see the promotions now: Free rum for a year while you enjoy your new furniture!