I think about leadership a lot. It’s not just because you’re a CEO, but also because I believe that being a leader is one of the most difficult and important things that we can do as human beings. The better you are at leading yourself, the better your ability to lead others will be. Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and philosopher who wrote Meditations, a collection of his thoughts and observations on life. He was a great leader, and he left behind some important rules for being an exceptional leader. Because of this, I’ve spent quite some time reflecting on how leaders should operate—what makes them successful and what keeps them from getting there (or getting back there if they’ve already lost their way). Here are 10 of the things that have helped me along the way:
Only when you can lead yourself with discipline, will others be ready to follow you.
In order to lead others, you must first be able to lead yourself. The way you handle your own emotions will set the tone for how they handle theirs, and without discipline there can be no self-control. Take responsibility for your own actions and don’t let them get away from you when you’re under pressure—only then will others believe that their leader is always in control of his or her self.
Even though he lived 2,000 years ago and was Emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius’ leadership skills are still relevant today. His philosophy on life may seem old fashioned or irrelevant in today’s world but it is actually more important than ever. These 10 rules will not only help you be a better boss but also live a happier and more successful life!
