When I was younger and struggling through philosophy class, I never would have guessed I’d grow to appreciate ancient wisdom. But today, I find insights in those age-old ideas that answer many modern questions. If I ever find the time to retire, I’d love to dive into philosophy and enjoy that timeless wisdom. Aristotle had an incredible way of understanding human nature that still holds up after thousands of years. So, it makes me wonder: what would Aristotle make of today’s leadership challenges?
Quick history on Aristotle’s life
Aristotle was born in 384 BCE in Stagira, a small town on the northern Greek peninsula of Chalkidiki, making him approximately 2,408 years old from today. He studied at Plato’s Academy in Athens for about twenty years, becoming one of Plato’s most prominent students. After Plato’s death, Aristotle left Athens, traveled, and eventually became the tutor to Alexander the Great, which provided him with unique insights into the political dynamics of his time.
Returning to Athens, he founded the Lyceum, a school and research institute. However, after Alexander’s death, Aristotle faced political hostility and was forced to flee to Chalcis in Euboea, where he died in 322 BCE. His works—spanning ethics, logic, natural sciences, and politics—have profoundly shaped Western thought, influencing both ancient and medieval philosophy.
Seven things Aristotle might teach us today
Imagine him in a modern conference room – probably surprised by the 200 pages powerpoint slide deck from one of the big consultancies – but his wisdom would still cut right through. Let’s think about what he might say to today’s leaders.
1. Courage: Building Confidence Through Action
Aristotle taught that courage is foundational, empowering all other virtues. For me, courage means being open and honest in the face of challenges, while in leadership, it also becomes encouragement—supporting others to grow.
Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead highlights that courage in leadership includes embracing vulnerability. By showing this openness, courageous leaders build trust, allowing people to take risks, learn, and contribute fully, which strengthens both personal and team growth.
2. Lead with Integrity, Even When It’s Not Easy
Aristotle believed that living a “good life” meant being virtuous, through and through. No shortcuts, no pretending. For him, a true leader has to be someone worth following—not because of fancy titles or priviliges, but because they act with honesty and courage.
I think he’d say, “Do the right thing, even when it’s tough. People will notice, and they’ll respect you for it.” And if you mess up? Own it. No spin, no sugarcoating.
A leader who’s transparent about their own mistakes is rare, but they’re the ones who build real trust—and the kind of leader people actually want to work with.
Interestingly, a McKinsey survey found that 75% of respondents identified their direct managers as the most stressful part of their job. This underscores how crucial it is for leaders to foster trust and reduce stress by being open, authentic, and supportive.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
– Attributed to Aristotle
3. Create a Space Where People Can Grow
Aristotle was big on eudaimonia (εὐδαιμονία), a Greek term that goes beyond mere happiness to mean “flourishing” or “living well.” Rooted in eu (good) and daimōn (spirit or inner being), eudaimonia represents the fulfilment of one’s highest potential through virtuous living. For Aristotle, this wasn’t about temporary pleasures or external success but about an enduring state achieved by cultivating virtues like courage, wisdom, and justice. It’s a life in alignment with one’s true self, where actions lead to both personal and communal well-being.
Imagine how Aristotle would apply this to leadership today. Leading isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about helping others reach their potential and find purpose. Aristotle might say, “Help your people find meaning in what they do.” Leaders who encourage this kind of growth create teams that feel both motivated and valued.
Martin Seligman, often regarded as the founder of positive psychology, also defines flourishing as a state where individuals experience purpose, engagement, and personal growth. His work emphasises that people who flourish are not only more successful but also genuinely thriving. I’ll write more on Seligman’s contributions to positive psychology, as his ideas add depth to understanding how leaders can support their teams’ well-being and growth.
What lies in our power to do,
lies in our power not to do.
– Aristotle
4. Use Wisdom, Not Just Knowledge
Aristotle believed that true wisdom—phronesis—means using good judgment in each unique situation, not just following rules or “best practices.” He’d likely see today’s reliance on data and templates as limiting. A wise leader reads the room, relies on experience, and knows when to go with their instincts. Aristotle might suggest that the best decisions are based on both facts and a sense of what feels right in the moment.
Daniel Kahneman, one of the brightest minds in psychology and behavioural economics, would add a layer of caution here. Drawing from his research on cognitive biases, he’d warn that intuition, while powerful, can be distorted by biases like overconfidence and confirmation bias. Kahneman would advocate for a balance, encouraging leaders to cross-check their gut feelings with data, especially in complex situations.
His perspective would refine Aristotle’s phronesis, reminding leaders to temper instinct with careful analysis, leading to more rounded, informed decisions.
5. Find Balance – Extremes Are Rarely Productive
One of Aristotle’s key ideas was the “Golden Mean,” or finding the middle ground between extremes. This concept is invaluable for leadership: assertive without being overbearing, flexible but not chaotic, focused on results without burning people out. Aristotle might remind today’s leaders, “Excess in any form can destabilise; balance keeps people steady.” Balanced leaders create the stability teams need to succeed.
The Buddhist Middle Way, introduced by the Buddha long before Aristotle, reflects a similar principle. Taught as a path to inner peace and sustainable well-being, it encourages avoiding extremes and finding harmony. Both approaches see balance as essential for resilience and clarity—whether in life or in leadership.
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
– Stephen R. Covey
6. Build a Sense of Belonging
Aristotle noted, “Man is by nature a social animal,” meaning he saw community as essential. He’d likely view leadership as something that thrives on connection, not hierarchy. “Leadership isn’t a solo journey,” he might say, “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels part of a shared goal.” Leaders who foster collaboration over control build teams that thrive.
You can find more about the concept of belonging in my article here.
7. Commit to Self-Reflection
Aristotle viewed self-awareness as essential for understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, making it a foundation for personal growth. Today, self-awareness in leadership is just as critical. Leaders who reflect on their actions and are open to growth can lead with more empathy and insight. Aristotle might advise, “A leader who knows themselves can lead others more effectively.”
Stephen Covey, a strong proponent of self-reflection, believed it helps us align our actions with our values.
Similarly, Daniel Goleman, known for his work on emotional intelligence, highlights self-awareness as a crucial skill for effective leadership, as it enables leaders to manage their emotions and connect meaningfully with others.
We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
– Aristotle
Putting Aristotle’s Lessons into Practice:
- Am I leading by example in ways I’d want others to follow?
- Do I understand the unique strengths and goals of each member on my team?
- In tough situations, do I react on instinct, or take time to respond thoughtfully?
Would Aristotle Approve of Your Leadership?
If Aristotle could advise us today, he’d remind us that leadership is about character, not control. He’d encourage leaders to focus on integrity, foster growth, embrace balance, and understand that leadership is a shared experience. The next time you face a challenging decision, ask yourself: would Aristotle approve? Are you someone your team can rely on—not just for what you accomplish, but for who you are?
Personally, I find these questions both grounding and motivating. Leadership can often feel like navigating a storm, where making the “right” choice isn’t always clear. But Aristotle’s principles remind me that being the kind of leader worth following isn’t about perfection; it’s about striving to do what’s right, learning continuously, and, above all, staying true to values that endure. In the end, leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a journey, and one we’re all still learning to walk.
Further readings:
“Nicomachean Ethics” by Aristotle – A foundational text exploring Aristotle’s views on virtue, ethics, and what it means to live a “good life.” This work lays the groundwork for understanding integrity and moral character.
Brian Johnson’s Philosopher’s Notes distills Aristotle’s teachings on eudaimonia, areté, and the “Golden Mean” into accessible insights that we can apply to personal growth and leadership, blending ancient wisdom with practical tools for today’s challenges. See Philosopher’s Notes