Modern employment law being what it is, the chances of being able to hire a gladiator these days are slim. But this is a guy you want on your team. He's received extensive, well-planned training, he has a win-at-all-costs mentality and owns his own big sword/net/trident thingy.
As an added bonus, he is unlikely to make it through the probationary period, therefore not costing you anything in pension rights, redundancy or death in service benefit.
Back in the days of the Roman Empire, being a gladiator did have its lethal drawbacks but the rewards, for those who stayed around long enough to get them, could be remarkable. There are recorded instances of gladiators who were gifted huge wealth and property for their successes. Some even got through 150 fights. Most, however, lasted a couple of bouts before a competitor — man or beast — got the better of the deal.
In the modern world you have to use your gladiator with care. This is not a chap to lead negotiations. Walking into a room and saying, "I shall have my vengeance, in this life or the next," is not likely to lead to happy consensus and a round at the bar after the meeting. No, this is one you keep in reserve for those times when you have to show a bit of muscle. Working in accounts, for example, he'll get great results from those reluctant to pay invoices on time.
On the minus side, the churn rate for such employees is pretty rapid and the chance of them having a work-related injury is high, so your insurance premiums are bound to take a hit.
As a final note of caution, if he's attending a meeting, don't give someone else's idea the thumbs down. That'll only end in a big mess.
Jimi Hendrix, Gandalf... learn more business tips from our series of unlikely gurus.
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