In this episode of “The Daily Stoic,” the focus is on leadership, drawing insights from Plutarch’s “How to Be a Leader.” The episode introduces the Daily Stoic Leadership Challenge, a 9-week deep dive into leadership according to the Stoics and other experts. Plutarch’s views on educated leadership, the role of self-governance, and the pursuit of virtue are explored. Listeners are encouraged to sign up for the Daily Stoic Leadership Challenge at dailystoic.com-lead before it starts on September 26th.
Plutarch emphasizes that leaders should be willing to do anything necessary, but they cannot do everything themselves. Self-governance is crucial for effective leadership, as leaders must first master themselves before governing others. Reason serves as a guiding force within leaders, and justice is the ultimate aim of their work. By embodying virtue, true leaders transform themselves into the likeness of God.
According to Plutarch, God is pleased with leaders who assimilate themselves to true beauty and benevolence. God’s presence is established on a holy pedestal, closely tied to unchanging nature. In cities, God has bestowed the light of righteousness and reason, which leaders should strive to uphold. Reason, developed through philosophy, helps shape leaders closer to the standard of goodness.
Leaders must possess a healthy fear on behalf of those they govern, ensuring their protection from harm. While kings are afraid for their subjects’ well-being, tyrants are afraid of their subjects. Plutarch warns against the combination of political power and depravity, as it can lead to harmful actions and improper desires. Punishments may be administered before formal accusations in the realm of government, and the vices of those in power become exposed when they are elevated to prominence.
Plutarch advises leaders not to try to do everything but instead focus on what is most important for their role. Sharing political power with trustworthy and skilled individuals leads to a more effective government. Politicians who take on tasks they are not suited for are more likely to fail and face criticism. It is essential for politicians to resolve real hostility or disagreements among themselves. When the people are skeptical of an important proposal, politicians should strategically have their friends openly disagree and then change sides to bring the people along with them.
In this episode, Plutarch’s insights on leadership are explored, highlighting the importance of self-governance, reason, and justice in effective leadership. The role of God in leadership is also emphasized, along with the need for leaders to possess certain attributes and exhibit specific behaviors. Lastly, effective leadership practices are discussed, emphasizing the importance of focusing on essential tasks, sharing power, and effectively managing disagreements. By incorporating these principles, leaders can strive to become more effective and impactful in their roles.