For several reasons, history holds significant importance in studying leadership and effective leadership strategies. For example, history provides valuable lessons from the experiences of leaders who have come before us. It also offers us a vast array of inspiring leaders who have made significant contributions to society. One terrific example of what I am talking about might be Socrates.
Socrates, the legendary ancient Greek philosopher, may not have been a leader in the traditional sense, but he was definitely a thought leader. Known for his distinctive approach to engaging with others, Socrates’s philosophical inquiries and discussions with his fellow Athenians revealed profound insights into effective leadership strategies. Leaderology helps us make these fantastic insights actionable.
Socrates contributed much to modern society. For example, he gave us tremendous insights into moral philosophy and ethics. He permitted us to question and resist those who insist on avoiding accuracy and truth. Of course, we should never forget that he also mentored Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in history. However, Socrates gave us so much more. From a leadership standpoint, he gave us a significant foundation and guide to ignite our inner Plato.
I often warn my students and clients that we must always know our place regarding the Peter Principle and the Dunning-Kruger Effect. Similarly, it is logical to say that it would be pretty hard to motivate yourself to learn about a topic if you believed you already had the answers or knew it all. However, the idea that we must be aware that we don’t know everything was adopted from Socrates. In fact, one of the critical lessons we can learn from Socrates is the importance of self-examination and acknowledging our ignorance.
Socrates believed that true wisdom comes from recognizing the gaps in our knowledge. He believed we must embrace our flaws and knowledge gaps to identify and correct the deficits. This intellectual humility was a defining characteristic that set him apart as a leader. Despite being renowned for his wisdom, he openly acknowledged his limitations and the vastness of the unknown, declaring that he did not possess all the answers or best perspectives. This humility allowed him to approach discussions openly and establish trust among his followers.
As leaders, we must cultivate a mindset that embraces our flaws and limitations. By humbly accepting what we don’t know, we create opportunities for growth and improvement. This also encourages us to hire and surround ourselves with individuals with the expertise we lack, fostering a culture of continuous learning within our teams and ultimately realizing superior outcomes. Moreover, when we embrace intellectual humility, we create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected and are allowed to shine. This type of environment encourages collaboration, fosters innovation, and ultimately leads to better outcomes because it is all about accuracy.
Socrates was more interested in seeking accuracy than simply being right. He also believed that genuine knowledge and understanding could only be achieved through critical thinking and rigorous examination of ideas. These are powerful examples to follow. However, this type of examination also included ideas he was not particularly fond of.
As leaders, we can adopt this approach by promoting an environment that values truth and accuracy over misconception and confirmation bias. By encouraging our team members to question assumptions, challenge existing notions, learn more about the ideas we disagree with, and engage in thoughtful discussions, we create a culture that seeks the best possible solutions rather than sugar-coated statements that solidify or exacerbate the status quo. Imagine how effective our organizations might be with such a culture.
This commitment to accuracy not only enhances decision-making but also drives the growth and development of our teams. More importantly, the appeal to vision-oriented accuracy and better outcomes will guide the discussions and discovery more effectively. However, this environment requires us to question our thoughts, ideas, and the current state of things instead of relying on the idea that something has always been done a certain way. To do this, we need a strategic way to question.
The Socratic Method, one of Socrates’s most notable contributions, involved asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and self-reflection. Instead of merely providing answers, Socrates encouraged others to explore ideas, challenge their assumptions, and arrive at their own understanding. As leaders, we can adopt this method by strategically questioning our team members and allowing our team members to question us strategically. By encouraging active participation and stimulating creativity, we empower our teams to find innovative vision-oriented solutions and drive meaningful progress. Specifically, effective questioning can open up new possibilities and lead to breakthrough insights. Of course, this method requires surrounding ourselves with knowledgeable people who can think for themselves rather than merely go along to get along.
As previously mentioned, Socrates believed in empowering individuals to think independently, question assumptions, and seek truth. Doing so often leads to improved merit of thought. As leaders, we can create an environment that values the merit of thought and diverse perspectives. In these environments, cultural fit and diversity surround ideas and solutions rather than characteristics and traits. This approach typically results in better outcomes and goal achievement.
We achieve this by permitting our people to think independently and rewarding them for doing so (via validation exchange). By promoting open dialogue and encouraging constructive dissent in a vision-oriented environment, we foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique insights in the pursuit of the vision. This approach leads to more effective decision-making and outcomes and encourages personal and professional growth within our teams.
You may have noticed an overlap between the various concepts discussed thus far. That’s because one drives the next, which drives the first. However, while all of this may sound exceptional, the caveat is that this approach cannot be faked. Each element must be genuine. Leaders must not only set the example; they must be the example. However, the benefits of doing so are vast. For example, setting this positive example by embodying the values and behaviors you expect or desire from others can be a powerful motivator and influence your team’s actions to achieve the desired outcomes more efficiently and effectively. There again, we can turn to Socrates.
Socrates was a living embodiment of his philosophical principles. He challenged the status quo and fearlessly pursued the “right thing” rather than the “right way,” even if the “right thing” was unpopular. In fact, Socrates’ commitment to truth and intellectual integrity ultimately led to his trial and execution. Of course, history sees these events as unjust. Regardless, the point is that challenging the status quo can be difficult because most people fear and resist change. Nonetheless, as leaders, we must always strive to set a positive example despite that fear and resistance by embodying the values and behaviors we expect from our teams. When we lead with integrity, authenticity, and dedication to doing what is right, we inspire and motivate others to follow suit. Remember that our words and actions profoundly impact the culture and environment we create, and they can influence the trajectory of our organizations for many years to come.
Ultimately, the leadership lessons we can learn from Socrates are as relevant today as they were in ancient Greece. By embracing our flaws, practicing intellectual humility, fostering independent thought, and setting a positive example, we can inspire our teams and create environments that encourage growth, innovation, and collaboration. Socrates’s wisdom reminds us that leadership is not about mere authority; it is about nurturing the potential of individuals and empowering them to reach new heights. So, let us draw inspiration from Socrates and lead with wisdom, humility, and a commitment to truth. Doing so will significantly increase our chances of achieving our desired outcomes.
Author(s): Dr. David M Robertson
Board Insights | Open Source | ORCID iD
Published Online: 2023 Jun – All Rights Reserved.
APA Citation: Robertson, D. (2023, Jun 16). The Thought Leadership of Socrates. The Journal of Leaderology and Applied Leadership. https://jala.nlainfo.org/the-thought-leadership-of-socrates/