Stoic Leaders: Making a Difference in Tough Times
Let’s talk about managers, especially the stoic ones. Good stoic managers don’t waste time making excuses. They know that excuses just take away time and energy that could be used to work on things they can change — the stuff that matters.
When things are going well, a stoic manager might not look very different from any other manager. But it’s during tough times, when results aren’t coming in, that a stoic manager stands out. Their calmness and focus on what’s within their control set them apart from other types of managers.
A Stoic manager knows that results aren’t entirely in their hands. That’s why they focus their energy on what they can control — things that truly impact achieving better outcomes.
Stoicism
Zeno of Citium, born around 334 BCE, is the founder of Stoicism, with prominent followers including Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus.
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that advocates for self-control, rationality, and virtue to achieve a tranquil and fulfilling life. It emphasizes focusing on what one can control and accepting what cannot be changed. This philosophy provides a framework for resilience and ethical decision-making in personal and professional contexts.
3 Key Stoic Principles for Effective Leadership
Ataraxia, a serene state of mind from Stoic philosophy, is key for today’s leaders. It’s about staying calm and balanced, no matter what. Leaders guided by ataraxia make smarter decisions and inspire confidence in their teams by focusing on what they can control and keeping cool under pressure. This Stoic calm isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for leading effectively in our fast-paced world. Stoic principles for effective leaders:
I. Acceptance — Focus on What You Can Control
A core virtue of Stoicism, especially relevant in leadership, is acceptance — particularly accepting what we cannot control. This principle is crucial for leaders facing the unpredictable tides of the business world.
In leadership, Stoicism teaches us to distinguish between what’s within our control and what’s not. Leaders who embrace this mindset focus on influencing change where they can while accepting external factors beyond their control with composure and grace.
This acceptance doesn’t mean passivity; it’s about making informed, adaptable decisions within the sphere of influence. By acknowledging the limits of their control, leaders can respond more flexibly and effectively to unforeseen challenges.
II. Wisdom—Data Meets Instinct
Wisdom isn’t just about data; it’s equally about balancing that data with experience and intuition. This approach allows leaders to make analytically sound and deeply human decisions.
Stoic leaders recognize that data provides invaluable insights but doesn’t capture the full spectrum of human experience. They blend analytical rigor with the nuances of emotional intelligence, striking a balance for more holistic decisions.
III. Courage — Sleepless Nights and the Beauty of Imperfect Decisions
“Do not pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” Bruce Lee
We face complex situations as a manager or team leader. It’s in these moments where clear, straightforward communication is essential. This might mean sleepless nights, as being honest with yourself and others requires courage. It’s not just about what you say but how you say it — being assertive yet open to change when presented with strong arguments.
All of us have seen that the worst managers are those who fail to make decisions. I prefer a leader who makes mistakes over one paralyzed by inaction. Leaders are paid to make decisions — good ones that are scalable, sustainable, coherent, and make business sense. Clear decisions eliminate team ambiguity and uncertainty. Having the courage to decide, knowing you bear the responsibility for the outcomes, is what sets a true leader apart.
💡Takeaways
- Control Focus: Stoic leaders excel by focusing on what they can control rather than making excuses.
- Data and Insight Balance: They blend hard data with intuition and experience for well-rounded decisions.
- Courageous Decisions: Stoicism in leadership involves clear communication and making bold decisions, even in tough situations.
“We must do the best we can with the things that are in our power, and take the rest as it comes from nature.”
Epictetus, Discourses.
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Disclaimer: This post was created with the help of AI tools to improve efficiency, required hours of dedicated writing, and contains my experience in the field.
