Neurodiversity 101: Neurodivergent Leadership:Aristotle's concept of Phronesis and neuroinclusive workplaces

I love some of the Stoics writings! Yes.. I have said it... We could learn a lot from some(not all) of their perspectives.

"The Stoics defined the goal in life as living in agreement with nature. Humans, unlike all other animals, are constituted by nature to develop reason as adults, which transforms their understanding of themselves and their own true good."

Some of their concepts make me think that what goes around comes around and concepts they discuss are certainly worth considering today.

What is Phronesis?

In an ever-evolving professional landscape, the quest for effective leadership and decision-making is more crucial than ever. One ancient concept that holds timeless relevance is Aristotle's idea of "phronesis."

From Ancient Greek φρ?νησι? (phrónēsis, “practical wisdom”), from φρον?ω (phronéō, “to think”), from φρ?ν (phr?n, “mind”).

Phronesis encapsulates a form of ethical and experiential knowledge that can be incredibly beneficial in modern workplaces. This seems to me to fit well with neuroinclusive practices.It is about making the right decisions at the right time for the right reasons.

Unlike theoretical knowledge, which is universal and context-independent, phronesis is deeply contextual, requiring an understanding of the specific circumstances and the ability to balance various factors to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The phronimos is a person who is good at deliberation: they can sum up a situation, weigh up various factors, and work out what to do to promote or achieve their objectives.Because of their experience and wisdom, they can see straight away the best thing to do, without having to go through a process of deliberation.

Key components of phronesis

1. Ethical understanding: Phronesis involves a moral component, guiding individuals to act virtuously and ethically.
2. Experiential knowledge: It is grounded in experience and the ability to learn from past actions and outcomes. Learning from lived experience of what works can be extremely valuable.
3. Practical application: Phronesis is inherently practical, focusing on what can be done and what should be done in specific situations.

The relevance of phronesis in workplaces

Enhancing decision-making

In the workplace, leaders are often faced with complex decisions that have far-reaching implications. Phronesis enables leaders to consider not only the immediate consequences of their actions but also the broader impact on the organisation and its stakeholders. By incorporating ethical considerations and experiential knowledge, leaders can navigate the grey areas of decision-making more effectively. This is responsible decision making.

Quality is not an act, it is a habit - Aristotle

Fostering ethical leadership

Ethical dilemmas are common in professional settings. Leaders with phronesis can set a positive example by consistently making decisions that align with the core values and ethical standards of the organisation. This approach can enhance trust, integrity, and morale within the workplace.

Promoting adaptability

Work environments are dynamic, and the ability to adapt is crucial. Phronesis equips individuals with the practical wisdom to respond to changing circumstances with flexibility and insight. This adaptability can drive innovation and resilience, enabling organisations to thrive in the face of challenges. It may consider optimal working environments for individuals rather than by work title e.g. hybrid working, in an office setting or working from home - where possible.

The energy of the mind is the essence of life. Aristotle

Improving interpersonal relationships

Effective workplace relationships are built on understanding and empathy. Phronesis fosters these qualities by encouraging individuals to consider the perspectives and needs of others. This can lead to more harmonious and productive collaborations, ultimately enhancing team cohesion and performance.

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. Aristotle

Implementing Phronesis in neuroinclusive workplaces

1. Mentorship programmes: Establish mentorship initiatives where experienced employees can share their practical wisdom with newer team members.
2. Ethical training: Incorporate ethics training into professional development programmes to reinforce the importance of virtuous decision-making.
3. Reflective practices: Encourage employees to engage in reflective practices, such as journaling or discussion groups, to learn from their experiences and those of others. This allows failures to be discussed and experimentation to be valued also for greater learning. You need safe spaces to do this work.
4. Diverse perspectives: Foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives, thoughts and ways to communicate with each other are valued, promoting a richer understanding of complex issues.

Conclusion

Aristotle's concept of phronesis offers a valuable framework for enhancing leadership and decision-making in modern workplaces. By integrating ethical understanding, experiential knowledge, and practical application, organisations can cultivate a culture of wisdom that not only achieves success but also upholds the highest standards of integrity and adaptability.

Embracing phronesis in the workplace can lead to more thoughtful, ethical, and effective leadership, ultimately contributing to a more robust and resilient organisational culture.

The whole is more than the sum of its parts. Aristotle

What do you think? Useful concept or not??

Reference:https://docs.gre.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/124242/Aristotles-Phronesis-Putting-Some-meat-on-the-Philosophy-of-Innovation.pdf

Blog Author

I am Amanda Kirby, CEO of Do-IT Solutions a tech-for-good company that delivers consultancy and guidance, consultancy, training and web-based screening tools that have helped 10s of 1000s of people.Contact us and we can discuss how we can help.

We strive to deliver person-centered solutions relating to neurodiversity and wellbeing.I am a mixed bag of experiences and skills and have 25+ years of working in the field of neurodiversity.

I am a medical doctor, Professor, and have a Ph.D. in the field of neurodiversity; most important of all I am a parent and grandparent to neurodivergent wonderful kids and am neurodivergent myself.

I have written 10 books so far.Theo Smith and I wrote the UK award-winning book?Neurodiversity at Work Drive Innovation, Performance, and Productivity with a Neurodiverse Workforce. My 11th book came out in 2023 Neurodiversity and Education. Theo and I are writing a new book this year about parenting and neurodiversity!