230. Timeless Leadership Skills - The Stoic Approach

Send us Fan MailWelcome to our new 4-part mini-series all about Inspirational Leadership. It can be so easy to judge leaders in an organisation as its easy to forget that leaders are humans too. As anyone who has recently moved into leadership, its not for the faint-hearted as we head towards 2030 - but this is the reason to lean in, not shy away from - taking the leadership reins. In this first one we dive into ancient Stoic wisdom and modern insight (from Dolly Parton) to help leaders thrive during these transformational times. Rather than taking setbacks and challenges as personal failings, the Stoics believed that these are the realities of life and the reason why we need leaders in the first place. We explore 5 Stoic lessons for strong leadership: Control What You Can (focus on actions, not outcomes), Lead by Example (character over charisma), Embrace Adversity (obstacles are opportunities.), Practice Emotional Mastery (stay calm in chaos) and Serve a Greater Good (leadership is service). An uplifting lesson for a leader who may be feeling a bit faded or jaded, and an inspiring one for those considering to move into leadership (in whatever form that takes - it could be organising a charity event or a birthday celebration). As Epictetus said over 2000 years ago:  “It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”