I would like to propose that a modern version of an ancient philosophy is what is needed for leadership today. In times that 
are both turbulent, fast changing and austere on one hand, and unrelentingly touchy-feely and sickeningly positive on the other, one answer is a new form of stoicism. To differentiate it from the 16th Century “Neo Stoicism” and to stress the necessity of leadership in the modern world I suggest the name “Lead Stoicism”.
What is Stoicism?
Stoicism is a much misunderstood yet highly influential Hellenistic philosophical school. Notable Stoics include the emperor Marcus Aurelius, the hot-shot politician and lawyer Seneca and the slave Epictetus. It stresses logic, ethics and most famously the management of destructive emotions, self-control and fortitude. In stoicism character development through ethics, daily practice and values is key, and it is usually considered an egalitarian and cosmopolitan philosopher that has served generations of classical leaders from Alexander the Great onwards.
Stoicism in Modern Times
In modern times stoic philosophy has had something of a revival being used by a number of military scholars and writers on hardiness and cross culturally the Samurai or Zulu would value much of Stoicism. It is also consistent with modern research on resilience and cognitive behavioural therapy. Epictetus quote “Man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them” is reminiscent of Shakespeare and sums up the CBT connection concisely.
What are the Tenants of Lead Stoicism?
The following are the Stoic influenced principles and tenants of Lead Stoicism.
Resilience
The world is a tough place and Lead Stoics develop their personal and organisational resilience. In the “age of austerity” this is more important than ever, but “bouncing back” has always been a feature of successful leaders that Lead Stoics fully embody. Paradoxically a Lead Stoic may embody empathy, vulnerability and openness as these are key features of resilience. The Lead Stoic is however not weak, is committed to internal strength, has spine, character and can be relied upon.
Awareness and Choice
To the Lead Stoic there is always a choice. The Lead Stoic is mindful of and chooses their thoughts, behaviour and emotional response. In my leadership development work I have found the move from victimhood to agency in the single biggest leadership success factor a manager can make. Awareness of and managing thought processes and the narratives the Lead Stoic live in is also key as this very modern article on CBT and resilience shows.
Values-Led
The Lead Stoic is values-led, caring little for the trappings of worldly success which come and go beyond one’s control. The bonuses of bankers, passing fame of celebrities or hollow vanity of consumerism do not appeal. The Lead Stoic always “wins” because they do not rely upon the results of their efforts for happiness but the efforts themselves and deeply held values aligned with nature. They attend to the “how” and “why” and let the chips fall where they may.
Practice
A Lead Stoic doesn’t just talk philosophy (or corporate vision statements) but walks the walk. It is though practice, action and establishing virtue through behaviour that Lead Stoics build their character and express their ethics. Lead Stoicism is a practical template for engaging in the world, not a fake intellectual, business BS or new-age masturbation. Discipline and application are required for Lead Stoicism, it is not a quick fix or virtual activity.
Emotional-Logical-Bodily Balance
The Lead Stoic balances their logic, bodily intuition and urges and emotions, employing all in the service of a wider calling. While emotionally intelligent the Lead Stoic manages those emotions which do not serve, maintains impeccable self-control and does not worship at the limp table of feeling. The Lead Stoic is in touch with their baser nature, includes and transcends it, neither repressing it or letting it molest virtue. The Lead Stoic develops inner calm through meditation, state management and the skilful use of cognition. The Lead Stoics uses reason as a tool in an increasingly irrational age but do not makes themselves reason’s slave.
Acceptance, Discernment and Politics
The Lead Stoic balances the acceptance [link to acceptance and stress] of what can not be changed with the courage to change what can [link to stress and courage article]. They are as discerning as a staunch conservative and as open to diversity as a radical liberal. They are conservative in their values and radical in their commitment to them. They are neither left nor right but in front.
Depth and Connection
Lead Stoics have depth, recognising our interconnectedness with each other, with the divine (by whatever name) and the planet. The Lead Stoic contemplates that which dies (including their own mortality) and that which does not.
The universe itself is god and the universal outpouring of its soul; it is this same world’s guiding principle, operating in mind and reason, together with the common nature of things and the totality which embraces all existence; then the foreordained might and necessity of the future; then fire and the principle of aether; then those elements whose natural state is one of flux and transition, such as water, earth, and air; then the sun, the moon, the stars; and the universal existence in which all things are contained.
—Chrysippus, in Cicero, de Natura Deorum, i.
Constantly regard the universe as one living being, having one substance and one soul; and observe how all things have reference to one perception, the perception of this one living being; and how all things act with one movement; and how all things are the cooperating causes of all things that exist; observe too the continuous spinning of the thread and the structure of the web.
—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, iv. 40.
Questions
- I would like to leave readers with the following practical questions:
- How would your current biggest challenge look from a Lead Stoic perspective?
- If you were not so tied up in the emotions or end results associated with your challenges how could you better handle them? What do you have sway over?
- What are you playing the victim in relation to?
If you liked this article you may like to look at the following:
- Why the Best Leaders Aren’t in Business – and what could be done about it
- Archetypes and Leadership
- Resilient Leadership
If your organisation is interested in how our leadership training can help in your workplace then call us on (+44) (0) 7762 541 855 or (+44) (0) 1273 906828.
If you would like to receive the Integration Training newsletter with free tips and news of events please click on the link below.