How Stoic ethics can strengthen our trust and morality

Stoic leadership

In the political landscape, both globally and locally, we frequently see examples of unethical behavior by prominent leaders—whether it is the misuse of power, corruption, or dishonesty. These actions often involve leaders who, rather than serving the public good, appear more focused on their own personal or financial gain, often circumventing laws and ethical standards.

This behavior does more than harm their immediate circles; it erodes trust and morality within society. When leaders, including business leaders, act unethically, it sends a message to those they lead—that principles and integrity can be compromised for personal advantage. This is especially apparent in cases where leaders have faced numerous scandals involving conflicts of interest, obstruction, or manipulating truth to avoid accountability.

Such actions lead to a significant erosion of trust, which is the most valuable asset for any leader. When trust declines, so does faith in institutions and authority, which can create a culture where moral decay spreads across organizations and communities.

?For example, consider the numerous political scandals in recent years where political leaders have placed their self-interest above the welfare of their people. These actions, whether they involve bending legal rules, engaging in dishonest rhetoric, or using power to silence critics, have had profound consequences, undermining public trust, fostering widespread cynicism, and contributing to a breakdown of social cohesion.

Act as a stoic leader?

But how can we reverse this trend? My answer lies in Stoic ethics—a philosophy that teaches us to lead with integrity, wisdom, and virtue. These principles not only have the potential to restore lost trust and morality but also to strengthen them within organizations.

I claim that stoic ethics can rebuild and strengthen trust and morality in organizations by promoting integrity, accountability, and virtue among leaders.

Stoic ethics is rooted in the belief that true leadership is based on virtue, particularly the four key virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Leaders who embody these values are more likely to act in ways that align with the greater good, fostering an environment of trust and moral accountability.

Personally, I am a fan of the principle: "Do no harm before you do good", and I mean that this embodies these 4 virtues:

1. Justice ?? The idea of "Do No Harm" clearly reflects the Stoic virtue of justice, which emphasizes fairness and ensuring that others are treated rightly. Stoic leaders should avoid actions that cause harm to others, aligning with the principle of acting justly before attempting to benefit anyone.
2. Wisdom ?? Wisdom involves thoughtful decision-making and understanding the consequences of actions. "Do No Harm Before You Do Good" echoes this virtue by reminding leaders to carefully evaluate their choices to avoid unintended negative consequences before striving for positive outcomes.
3. Courage ?? In many cases, doing no harm before doing good requires courage—especially when it means resisting pressure or opposition to act hastily or unethically.
4. Temperance ?? Temperance is about self-control and moderation. In this context, it can be understood as the restraint to avoid rushing into action that might cause harm in the pursuit of good intentions. It speaks to acting with care and balance.

This also means that leaders, who act with Stoic virtue, naturally earn the trust of their followers because they demonstrate consistent integrity and ethical behavior. Trust grows when people see that their leaders are not swayed by personal interests or external pressures but are guided by a principled moral compass.

The Stoic virtue of?justice?reminds leaders to be fair, putting the needs of others before their own. A leader practicing?courage?is willing to make difficult but morally right decisions, even in the face of opposition. Through?wisdom,?a Stoic leader seeks to understand the long-term consequences of their actions, focusing on what benefits the organization and society. Finally,?temperance teaches moderation and self-control, ensuring that a leader’s decisions are not influenced by excess or impulsivity.

These virtues not only set a moral standard but also create an atmosphere where trust flourishes. Employees and stakeholders trust leaders who consistently act with fairness, wisdom, and integrity. An organization rooted in these values is perceived as more reliable, ethical, and stable.

Critics may argue that Stoic ethics is too idealistic, especially in competitive environments where fast decisions and maximizing profits are prioritized. However, the Stoic response is that ethical leadership, far from being impractical, creates sustainable trust and loyalty, both of which contribute to long-term success. When organizations sacrifice ethics for short-term gains, they often face reputational damage, loss of talent, and ultimately, financial decline. Stoic leadership may seem slower or more methodical, but it builds a foundation of trust that fuels long-term success.

My conclusion is that in today’s volatile world, leaders have a responsibility to foster trust and morality. Stoic ethics, with its focus on virtue and integrity, provides a powerful framework for rebuilding trust not only in political leadership but in organizations of all kinds. By embracing Stoic principles, leaders can create environments where trust, accountability, and ethical behavior thrive.

You might ask how you can train your inner Stoic ethics. It is not difficult, and here is 5 practical tips:

1. Practice reflection each day. Take a few moments to reflect on your actions and decisions. Ask yourself: Did I act according to my principles? How could I have handled situations with more wisdom, justice, or self-control?
2. Focus on what you can control. Stoicism teaches that you cannot control external events, only your reactions. Train yourself to focus on how you respond to challenges, rather than wasting energy on things outside your control.
3. Use a journal to track your virtuous behavior and evaluate your actions through the lens of Stoic virtues. Did you act with fairness? Were you courageous in your decisions? What can you improve?
4. Seek long-term benefits, not short-term gains. When faced with tough and complex decisions, pause and ask yourself: “What will this decision mean for the long-term health of my organization and my relationships with others?” Prioritize long-term trust and ethical outcomes over immediate rewards.
5. Cultivate Temperance. In moments of stress or temptation, pause before reacting. Practicing self-control helps you maintain composure and ensures your decisions are thoughtful and aligned with your values.

As you face the challenges of the future, Stoicism can be your guide to leading with integrity.

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Rune Meyer

Impact Leader

www.impactleader.eu

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“If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.” –?Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

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It is all about #Stoic #leadership