Wisdom of the Ancients -- part 2
Socrates
Of these ancient philosophers, the ideas and practices of Socrates are the most compelling and relevant ot leadership of today to me. It started with hearing a quote by Socrates somewhere that I might be paraphrasing a little but it was: A group of donkeys led by a lion will easily defeat a group of lions led by a donkey.
While my first inclination upon hearing such a statement was to qualify it into times when an actual donkey might have better experience with things such as being stubborn or moving items, I got the point and meaning quickly. It seemed to be most easily applied to athletic teams for today. How many times do we hear about that amazing underdog team that gets a great new coach and ends up triumphant? The highly successful teams always get praise heaped on the coaches or team captains.
Another area of Socrates' leadership past I really enjoyed was the story of the pronouncement of the Oracle of Delphi.
The Oracle of Delphi proclaims to a man that there is none in Athens wiser than Socrates. When Socrates hears of this he protests that it cannot be true and sets out on a mission to find one that is wiser. After speaking to many pompous Athenians who believe they possess great knowledge he realizes they do not possess any true wisdom. Thus, Socrates understands that the oracle is correct and he is the wisest of them all because he alone truly knows his own lack of knowledge.
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." --Socrates
Of all the leadership elements of these philosophers, the story of Socrates' journey resonated the most. Despite all the different theories about leadership, all the books, and all the speakers, there's been one common element: the need to know yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses. You cannot be expected to lead a group if you don't understand yourself. Various leaders that have spoken during class have emphasized the need for you to find your own style of leadership that best works with who you are. Constantly be on the lookout for those who have good qualities where your own are poor. Find and hire those who are smarter than you.
So much of leadership foundation seems to come from this story from so long ago. Plato and Aristotle make interesting points but it is only Socrates' view that works for many leaders of today. It seems the oracle was right--Socrates was the wisest of them all.
**Pictures came from various sources from Google Images, not meaning to use them for profit just wanted to enhance my discussion