What Would Blackbeard Say

Aye, Mr. Getty be the richest man in the world in his day. I reckon he know a thing or two about bein' rich.

Here be J. Paul Getty's 10 Fundamental Rules, tailored to fit the tongue of a swashbucklin' pirate, and a comment on how I applied these principles to me own piratical ventures on the high seas!

Lay claim to yer own enterprise, one ye know and grasp with all yer might. Aye, I was me own captain, sailin' the seas as I pleased. I knew every cove and current like the back o' me hand.

Craft more plunder and finer wares, or render more hearty services to the masses at a lesser cost. Me crew and I plundered the finest treasures from merchant ships far and wide. We always sought out the richest spoils to increase our bounty. Then we sold to the merchants at an excellent price, me acquisition costs bein' lower, ye understand.

Fill yer coffers afore ye weigh anchor on spendin'. Teach yerself the art o' frugality. Before we divvied up the loot, we ensured our coffers were filled to the brim. Discipline on spendin' kept us afloat in lean times.

Let no opportunity for expansion pass ye by, but not without a warrant and a map. Whenever a merchant ship hove into view, we weighed the risks and rewards before launchin' our attack. Every ship was a chance to increase our fortune.

Captain yer own ship, don't rely on the hands to think or act as ye would. I led me crew with an iron fist, makin' sure each man knew his duty. I trusted meself to make the tough decisions rather than relyin' on the whims of me crew.

Seek out new routes to enhance yer goods or services and swell yer haul. We constantly sought out new weapons and tactics to enhance our plunderin'. The seas be vast, and there's always room for improvement.

Be bold to wager yer own doubloons, yet swiftly repay what ye borrow. Every voyage was a gamble, but we wagered our lives for the promise of riches. And when we borrowed from the future, we made sure to repay our debts swiftly.

Explore new seas and the shores untouched by man's greedy grasp. We sailed to the far corners of the globe, seekin' out uncharted waters and unsuspecting prey. The more we explored, the greater our haul.

Stand firm behind yer handiwork and loot. Always keep to yer word. When we flew the Jolly Roger, every soul knew we meant business. We honored our reputation as fearsome pirates, and our victims knew they'd been bested by the best.

Consider yer treasure as a means to better the lives of all, from the lowliest deckhand to the highest lord. Aye, we shared the spoils among the crew, makin' sure every man had his fair share. And we didn't just keep the treasure for ourselves - we spread our wealth among the ports we visited, makin' sure the taverns were well stocked and the wenches well paid.

Arr, follow these rules, and ye may find yerself hoistin' the Jolly Roger atop the riches of the seven seas!

So there ye have it, me hearties! By followin' these principles, I carved out me own empire on the high seas and became the most feared pirate to ever sail the seven seas!

Arr, me hearties, let me translate these landlubber '5 Basic Rules of Leadership' ideas into the language of the sea, and add a note on how I, Blackbeard himself, applied these principles to me own leadership as a fearsome pirate captain!

Example is the best means to instruct or inspire others: Aye, as captain, I led by example. Whether it be swingin' from the riggin' to board a merchant ship or divin' into the fray with cutlass in hand, I showed me crew the way with every action.

Accept full responsibility for the actions of the people under you: When me crew plundered a prize or laid waste to a coastal village, I took the blame squarely upon meself. A captain must stand tall in the face of consequence, for the actions of the crew be the burden of the captain.

Don't ask anyone under you to do anything you are unwilling to do yourself: If I ordered a raid on a Spanish galleon or a nighttime assault on a fortress, ye can be sure I was at the forefront of the battle, leadin' me men with ferocity and courage. I never asked me crew to do anythin' I wouldn't do meself.

Be fair but firm with subordinates: Though I ruled with an iron fist, I had a soft spot for me crew. I listened to their grievances and ensured their needs were met as best I could. A happy crew be a loyal crew, and a loyal crew be worth more than all the gold in the Spanish Main.

Praise should be given in public, criticism in private: When me crew performed admirably, I made sure to sing their praises for all to hear. But when they faltered, I took them aside, out of earshot of the rest, to offer me critique and guidance. A captain must maintain the respect of his crew while also helpin' them grow and improve.

By followin' these basic rules of leadership, I kept me crew in line and me ship sailin' true on the treacherous seas. Aye, a good captain be the difference between a ship that sinks and a ship that sails into legend!