Live Better, Lead Better: 6 Lessons for Aspiring Bosses

 As the great philosopher Plato once posited, a ship cannot sail without a captain at the helm. And much like a ship, societies require an adept and visionary leader to steer them toward their true north. Plato's ideal leader, the philosopher-king, possessed a unique ability to perceive beyond the veil of everyday existence and lead their people to a brighter tomorrow. This image is striking, evoking a feeling of being at the helm of a mighty ship, heading for uncharted lands and untold riches.

Since then, countless minds have been captivated by the idea of leadership, seeking to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic art form. From Machiavelli's cunning prince to Sun Tzu's strategic warlord, the archetype of the leader has taken many forms throughout the ages.

For those aspiring to join the pantheon of greats, the journey is far from easy. It takes more than just a title or a fancy office to command respect and admiration. It takes a deep understanding of the human psyche, an unshakeable sense of purpose, and a willingness to take on challenges that others dare not face. From the battlefield to the boardroom, leadership is a timeless and complex topic.

Drawing on the wisdom of both ancient and modern thinkers, we've gleaned 6 lessons that offer valuable insights for leaders-to-be. So whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a rising executive, or simply seeking to hone your skills, join us as we explore the timeless principles of effective leadership.

1. Mend the sail before the ship. ?

Great leadership, like any art form, requires a mastery of self before attempting to lead others. Just as a painter must learn to control their brushstrokes before creating a masterpiece, a boss must learn to manage themselves before leading a team to success.

It's easy for managers to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of their job, but without taking a step back and asking themselves the tough questions, they'll never reach their full potential. When was the last time you asked yourself, "How good am I?" or "Do I need to be better?" These are the questions that separate the great bosses from the mediocre ones.

Think of history's great achievers: Napoléon, da Vinci, Mozart. What made them stand out was not just their talent but their ability to manage themselves. They understood their strengths and weaknesses, placed themselves in the right positions to excel, and remained engaged throughout their careers.

But these exceptional individuals are rare. Most of us have to learn how to manage ourselves and develop our skills to become successful bosses. We need to know where we can make the greatest contribution and be mentally agile enough to adapt to changes in our working lives. Before we can impart our wisdom to our colleagues, we must first take ownership of our own growth.

2. Personify your business strategy. ????

Nowadays, strategy has become an analytical problem to be solved, a game plan to beat the competition. But this way of thinking has led to unintended consequences, divorcing strategy from a firm's larger sense of purpose. Strategy is not supposed to be a static concept, but rather a fluid and ever-changing force that guides a company's growth and development over time.

Aspiring leaders must rethink strategy in a way that acknowledges the ever-changing nature of competition and the constant need for guidance, not just periodic analysis. A company's strategy is not simply a competitive game plan, but a defining characteristic of what it aspires to be. In 1963, Seymour Tilles, a Harvard Business School lecturer, proposed that the most critical question a CEO must answer is, "What kind of company do you want yours to be?"

Purpose is the hub of the strategy wheel, aligning all the functional pieces and drawing the company into a consistent whole. It serves as both a constraint on activity and a guide to behavior. Walt Disney, for example, had a clear idea of what he wanted his company to become: a place where families could come together and experience the magic of childhood, where dreams could come to life, and where people could forget their troubles and escape reality for a while. This vision has guided the company for over 90 years, and it is still evident in everything Disney does today.

And while it's important to engage in financial planning, it's a fallacy to equate it with thinking about the kind of company you want to become. Your company's purpose will act as a beacon, guiding it toward its unique destiny.

3. Share your spoils. ??

In the cutthroat world of business, it's easy for bosses to get lost in their own ambitions. They may act as if they exist in a vacuum, hoarding their achievements like treasure in a dragon's lair. However, this mentality is not only selfish but also ultimately self-destructive.

Narcissistic leaders, who perceive the people and organizations they lead as mere extensions of their egos, lack the empathy and compassion necessary to be effective bosses. Their obsession with their individual success blinds them to the needs and desires of those around them, leading to a toxic work environment and poor morale.

Sharing your accomplishments with your team means recognizing that success is not a zero-sum game. It's not a finite resource that must be hoarded and protected but rather a limitless potential that can be multiplied through collaboration and generosity. Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, so too does a culture of sharing and collaboration lift the entire organization to new heights.

So share with those around you, invest in their growth, and give back to the community. Only then can your success become legacy.

4. Think beyond the mundane. ??

As creatures of habit, we often find ourselves bogged down in the minutiae of daily operations. We focus on the practicalities of running a business, meeting deadlines and targets, optimizing efficiency, and reducing costs. We become so consumed by the mechanics of our work that we forget the magic of it all.

As Kant wisely noted, imagination is both blind and necessary. Blind, because it takes us beyond the boundaries of what we know, into the realm of the unknown and the untested. Necessary, because it is the fuel that powers our journey into that realm, enabling us transcend what we know and to visualize what we could be.

But having an active imagination is only half the battle. To truly become a great leader, one must embrace integrative thinking, a decision-making approach originated by Dr. Roger Martin. It requires us to hold opposing ideas in our minds and combine them in innovative ways, creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is a way of looking at the world that resists the binary thinking of "either-or" and instead seeks to find a "third way" that transcends the limits of conventional wisdom.

All in all, all aspiring leader figures must dare to think creatively, experiment with thought, and play with new ideas. They must practice being like children again, unafraid to imagine and explore, to test and try new things.

5. Rest to be your best. ??

The image of a sleep-deprived boss is one we often conjure up with little thought to the implications. We picture a frazzled, coffee-guzzling leader who's struggling to make it through the day, let alone lead a team. In actuality, sleep deprivation goes much deeper than just feeling tired. From our decision-making skills to our emotional regulation, its consequences are far-reaching and equally unforgiving. And as a leader, these effects can be harrowing for both yourself and your team.

Think of your brain as a finely tuned orchestra, with each section responsible for a specific task. The prefrontal cortex, or "head office," is like the conductor, keeping everything in line and working together seamlessly. But when we deprive ourselves of sleep, we're essentially asking the conductor to work without a baton. The result? Chaos. The strings are out of tune, the brass section is playing the wrong notes, and the entire thing collapses into itself.

But there is hope. By prioritizing rest and making sleep a non-negotiable part of your routine, you can become a more productive and inspiring leader. It starts with cultivating simple habits that honor your body's natural rhythms, like sticking to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, steering clear of caffeine and alcohol before bed, and tracking your sleep patterns to identify areas for improvement. If you struggle with sleep disorders, seeking treatment can be a game-changer in your quest for a more fulfilling life.

In a world that glorifies hustle and grind, sleep has become a commodity that's all too easily dismissed as a luxury. But the truth is, it's a vital aspect of our health and well-being. In certain cultures, the afternoon nap, or siesta, is even a common practice known to promote productivity and inspire creativity.

It's time to dispel the myth that working with less sleep is a badge of honor. The next instance you sense yourself wearied and overwhelmed, don't be hesitant to shut the door to your workspace and take some time to recharge. Your mind - and your team - will be endlessly grateful.

6. See the trees, not just the forest. ??

It takes a romantic spirit to truly see and appreciate each person for who they are. To see the shy introvert who may not be the loudest, but possesses a keen analytical mind. To see the free spirit who may not follow conventional rules, but has a knack for creative problem-solving. To see the seasoned veteran who may not be as flashy as the new hires, but has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be tapped into. True leaders understand that their team members are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. True leaders view each member as a vital, glowing star in the constellation of success.

By recognizing and capitalizing on each person's uniqueness, you can create a work environment that nourishes and inspires people to succeed on their own terms. Leadership is not about molding each individual into a cookie-cutter version of the ideal employee, but about empowering them to be their most authentic selves.

To all the bosses out there, don't just see the sum of your team's output. Take the time to appreciate the unique qualities of each individual, and harness their strengths to create a harmonious and vibrant whole. As Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady of the United States, once said: “Good leaders inspire people to have confidence in their leader. Great leaders inspire people to have confidence in themselves.”