Leadership and Virtue
Because of some studying and research I am doing I had occasion to reread Candide by Voltaire. I love Voltaire’s satire that highlights the absurdity of blind faith and the dangers of excessive optimism or pessimism. One passage jumped out at me yesterday where Candide said to Cacambo: “You see, my dear friend, how fleeting the riches of this world are; there is nothing solid but virtue.” Candide made the statement after he and Cacambo left El Dorado and lost 100 of their 102 sheep and most of their fortune. Candide makes known to us his optimistic philosophy by offering this view of the situation, Cacambo counters with a pessimistic view, ever the optimist, Cacambo replies that they still have two sheep left and enough treasure to make them wealthy.
“You see, my dear friend, how fleeting the riches of this world are; there is nothing solid but virtue.” ~ Candide
Most, if not all, of the challenges Candide incurred were moral and ethical issues. He was right; riches are fleeting, but our virtue must remain on solid footing. At a time when corruption and depravity are becoming the norm, we need leaders who hold themselves accountable to serving with integrity and humility. It has been said that there can be no leadership without virtue. I believe this to be correct.
Other lessons to be learned from Candide by Voltaire include the importance of maintaining optimism and resilience in the face of adversity, questioning societal norms and authority, and the idea that true happiness may be found in simplicity and living in the present moment. One of the things that always becomes paradoxical for me while studying Voltaire is that Candide serves as a mere conduit for the attitudes and events that surround him. His opinions and actions are determined almost entirely by the influence of outside factors.
The Changes Life Puts Us Through
I’ve been pondering lately about the changes life puts us through and how we grow from them. Those changes are sometimes imposed on us, but also chosen by us at times as well. As leaders, we are confronted with multiple complex challenges every day. New knowledge, skills, strategies, and mindsets are just some of the changes we need to impose on ourselves. One thing is for certain; with so many paradigm shifts occurring in the world today, changes in our lives will occur.
We can grow from the changes life puts us through by focusing on personal development and self-improvement. This can involve reflecting on our experiences, learning from them, and using them to become a better version of ourselves. It’s also important to maintain a positive mindset and resilience in the face of challenges. Finally, seeking support from others, such as friends, family, or a therapist, can help us navigate difficult times and emerge stronger on the other side.
Big Thinking Leadership
I can’t stop thinking about the lyric, “In a world where I feel so small, I can’t stop thinking big” in the song “Caravan” on the Clockwork Angels album by Rush. This is such a powerful statement and I love intellectual lyrics in rock music. In this concept album, the lyrical writer, the late Neil Peart, traces a young man’s life and demonstrates an arc to the pursuit of greatness. Caravan is very deep, referencing both Voltaire and Tocqueville.
“In a world where I feel so small, I can’t stop thinking big” ~ Caravan by Rush
This was discussed by Geddy Lee, the frontman, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush, in the awesome book, My Effin’ Life. The lyrics suggest a feeling of insignificance in a vast world, yet a determination to think and dream big despite that feeling. It conveys a sense of overcoming obstacles and pursuing ambitious goals in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
“We must cultivate our own garden.” ~ Voltaire
In Voltaire’s Candide, the main character embarks on a journey filled with adventures, challenges, and philosophical reflections., in the song “Caravan” by Rush, the lyrics could suggest a sense of embarking on a journey or quest filled with passion and determination. Both works explore themes of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of personal growth despite obstacles and hardships. The idea of a road lit by fire in the song could symbolize the inner fire or drive that propels individuals forward on their own journeys, much like Candide’s quest for meaning and enlightenment in Voltaire’s novel.
“One might say that sovereigns in our time seek only to make great things with men. I should want them to think a little more of making great men; to attach less value to the work and more to the worker, and to remember that a nation cannot long remain strong when each man is individually weak, and that neither social forms nor political schemes have yet been found that can make a people energetic by composing it of pusillanimous and soft citizens.” ~ Tocqueville in Democracy in America
Tocqueville, in Democracy in America, emphasized the importance of focusing on the character and qualities of individuals, rather than just the accomplishments or work they produce. He believed that society should prioritize the development of great individuals who can contribute positively to society, rather than simply valuing the material outcomes of their work. This reflects his broader concern with the cultivation of virtuous citizens in a democratic society. Even though we are small in this big world, we need to remember that each of us affects the world for those around us.
The Designated Study Space of The Studiolo
It is interesting that the idea of a private retreat to disconnect from our hectic worlds and for intellectual activities remains the same as in the Renaissance period. This week while reading Amor Towles’ latest and incredible book, Table for Two, studiolos were discussed in relation to paintings and art work. I found that a studiolo is a small room used as a study private retreat, typically found in a Renaissance palace or mansion. It was described as a room of one’s own. Really the precursor to the den, office, study, woman cave, or man cave. It would seem we have always needed our space. These rooms were often decorated with artwork, books, and other items to inspire intellectual pursuits and creativity. They were used by scholars, artists, and nobility as a quiet space for reflection and contemplation.
Machiavelli described the studiolo to a friend, by writing:
“When evening comes, I return home and go into my study. On the threshold I strip off my muddy, sweaty workday clothes, and put on the robes of court and palace, and in this graver dress I enter the antique courts of the ancients and am welcomed by them. . . . Then I make bold to speak to them and ask the motives for their actions and they, in their humanity, reply to me. And for the space of four hours I forget the world, remember no vexations, fear poverty no more, tremble no more at death: I pass into their world.”
Leonardo da Vinci, The Literary Works of Leonardo da Vinci, 1: 56, no. 23.
I have a space like this in my house. What I enjoy in it are all the little things that people have given me or that I have obtained while traveling that remind me of great friends, events, family, and places. Sometimes I catch myself looking at something and I am taken back to that place and my friends I have made there. For example, as I write this post I am looking up at a gift (see the featured image of this post) I was given while on my most recent international trip to Dubai. This piece means a lot to me because I went everyone on this plate with the individual who gave it to me. I love that Towles’ book, that I find to be all about relationships, reminded me how important keeping all our relationships front of mind is. I, for one, am bad about letting some of the people who I have been close to drift away when not in close proximity on a regular bases. I have gotten better, but need to continue to get better. The things in our studiolos can help as reminders of this.
As I stated earlier, the concept of a studiolo has evolved into modern home offices or personal libraries. People still create spaces in their homes for intellectual pursuits, creativity, and quiet reflection. Having a designated space for personal reflection and intellectual activities can be beneficial for mental health and productivity. It provides a sanctuary from the distractions of everyday life and allows for focused thinking and creativity. Having a studiolo or similar space can help us decompress, recharge, and enhance their overall well-being.
Relentless Determination and Perseverance
The song “Sleep When I’m Dead” is an anthem for those of us who have bold visions, think outside of normal paradigms, and want to keep learning and forging ahead every day. Autumn Kings nailed it on the head with this song. As a person who often uses the idiom of not sleeping till I am dead, this song really resonates with me. Allow me to share some of my favorite phrases from the song:
- “They counted me out”
- “They told me to stop”
- “Everyone’s talking; Addicted to gossip; But I can’t be bothered”
- “I will not bow; I will not break”
- “They tell me that I’m in over my head”
- “But I can’t be tamed”
I love this song! I love this group! Earlier I described this song as an anthem. What did I mean? The attitude of this song is one of never giving up, not worrying about what others say, and constantly striving for our own next steps, making this song an anthem of determination and forging ahead. The song signifies a mindset of relentless determination and perseverance. It suggests that we need to be so focused on our goals and passions that we are willing to sacrifice rest and comfort in order to achieve them. It embodies a spirit of resilience and drive to keep pushing forward despite any obstacles or challenges that may come our way.
Connecting On An Emotional Level
This past week I ended up in a fascinating conversation about “emotional contagion.” Emotional contagion is an important human trait because it allows us to connect with others on an emotional level, understand their feelings, and empathize with them. Elaine Hatfield (1993) defined emotional contagion as “the tendency to automatically mimic and synchronize expressions, vocalizations, postures, and movements with those of another person’s and, consequently, to converge emotionally.” This is not always viewed as a positive thing, but could help to build strong relationships, foster teamwork, and creating a sense of unity within a group or community. We must also be aware that emotional contagion can also influence our own mood and emotions, leading to a positive or negative impact on our mental well-being. This ability to share and transfer emotions plays a crucial role in social interactions and overall human behavior.
Emotional contagion is also an important concept to consider in our role as a leader as well. Leaders need an understanding of emotional contagion because it can have a significant impact on the dynamics within their team or organization. This includes the leader’s relationships with others. When leaders are aware of how emotions can spread among their team members, they can better manage and influence the overall emotional climate in the workplace. By being attuned to emotional contagion, leaders can create a more positive and supportive work environment, enhance communication and collaboration among team members, and ultimately improve overall productivity and morale.
By understanding emotional contagion, we can can help others effectively address any negative emotions or conflicts that may arise, preventing them from escalating and affecting the team’s performance. In essence, by understanding and leveraging emotional contagion, leaders can foster a more cohesive and successful team dynamic.
Reference
Hatfield, E., Cacioppo, J. T., & Rapson, R. L. (1993). Emotional contagion. Current directions in psychological science, 2 (3), 96-100.
Being Original Through A Diversity Of Influences
Geddy Lee, the frontman, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush, told us in My Effin’ Life, “We need a diversity of influences.” He was referring to all the different artists and bands they had been fans of, studied, and listened to. As Geddy also said, “If you have three bands influencing you, you are a derivative. If you have 100 bands influencing you, you are original.” His point was that we need lots of influences. Having a diversity of influences allows for a more well-rounded and inclusive learning experience.
“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of coloured glass that have been in use through all the ages.” ~ Mark Twain
To avoid being a “derivative,” it’s important for us to focus on developing our own unique ideas, perspectives, and approaches. This can be achieved by having many influences, through continuous learning, experimentation, and exploration of different and disciplines. Additionally, staying curious, open, and willing to take risks can help us break free from conventional thinking and create truly original work. Remember that true innovation and being original comes from combining existing knowledge and experiences in new and creative ways.
Working In New Ways
“We had to challenge ourselves to work in new ways.” Geddy Lee, the frontman, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush, said this in My Effin’ Life. He believed that in order to stay relevant and growing as musicians, Rush needed to challenge themselves by working in new ways. He felt that pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques and styles was crucial for artistic development and creativity. We need to be thinking this way in all our professions.
As a prog rock band, Rush was writing lyrics that told stories (lyrical conception), were more poetic, doing concept albums often using science fiction themes, and harnessing technology for new sounds. By challenging themselves to work differently, Rush was further defining their brand. Musical genius was really their brand. Growing up a Rush fan I was always excited to hear what the next album would bring.
We can learn from Rush the importance of consistency, authenticity, and staying true to their unique identity while at the same time challenging ourselves to try new things and work in new ways. Rush created a strong brand by consistently delivering high-quality music that was unique to them, without trying to fit into trends genres that didn’t align with their core values. By staying true to their artistic vision and not compromising their sound, Rush built a dedicated fan base and solid reputation over the years. All our organizations can apply this lesson by focusing on what makes them stand out, being consistent in their messaging and product delivery, and staying authentic to our brand values.
To Compromise Or Not To Compromise
Compromise has always been an interesting concept to me and one we discuss in leadership development gatherings a lot. Compromise is one of those things that we should not do at times and something we should do at times. It is one of those paradoxical concepts that I hold conflicting views on at the same time. Interestingly, compromise was brought up by Geddy Lee, the frontman, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush, in the awesome book I’m reading right now, My Effin’ Life. Geddy gives us some pretty great leadership lessons in this book. I already shared one of those lessons on “skepticism” in Leading With A Little Skepticism. Another, as I just mentioned was “compromise”.
“…it’s all right to totally believe in something and live for it and not compromise.” Neil Peart in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2012
Geddy told the story of Neil Peart, the late drummer and lyricist of Rush, getting into a heated debate with a music industry lawyer about Rush’s artistic direction and Peart was adamant there would be no compromise. He, according to Geddy, believed in staying true to oneself and not compromising one’s values or beliefs for the sake of others. It was clear that at the time of that interchange that Rush was finding their own unique sound and it is so impressive that Peart realized any change to be more mainstream would jeopardize Rush. Peart was being a great leader without realizing it.
It would seem that Peart valued individuality and integrity, and saw compromise as a potential hindrance to the band’s as well as his own personal growth and self-expression. We need to remember there are times when there can be no compromise.
Leading With A Little Skepticism
I am reading an awesome book, My Effin’ Life, right now by Geddy Lee, the frontman, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush. Having seen this band several times, I had to read the book. It is an awesome book and is going to prompt many posts. A point Geddy made after telling how he had been kicked out of Rush, the band he formed, and the being asked to rejoin was that “Skepticism is good to have in your toolbox.” I’ve never really considered myself a skeptic, but I can’t argue it’s use. As Geddy pointed out, skepticism can be a useful tool for a leader to have in our toolboxes because it allows us to question assumptions, dig deeper into issues, and consider multiple perspectives before making decisions. However, it’s important for leaders to balance skepticism with open-mindedness and trust in our teams. Overly skeptical leaders may create a negative work environment and hinder progress. So, while skepticism can be beneficial, it’s important for leaders to use it wisely and in moderation.
Skepticism can be used in a positive way when leaders question the status quo and traditional practices in their industry. By being skeptical of current methods, we can drive innovation and encourage our teams to think outside the box. Skepticism can also help us identify potential risks and challenges before they become major problems, allowing us to develop proactive solutions. Ultimately, skepticism can lead to more informed decision-making and positive outcomes for our organizations.
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