HiProFile Advisor
A series of articles of interest to the senior executive
The Suited Sovereign
Applications of Political Philosophy for the Modern Executive
By Joanna O’Leary, Vice President of Strategy
As evidenced by the recent media maelstrom surrounding the resignation of various Hewlett-Packard executives, the American people’s preoccupation with corporate leadership has never been greater. The media dutifully chronicles the rise and fall of these big corporate “bad guys” and the public remains captivated. And who can blame them? Watching the boss being led away in handcuffs and losing his or her multi-million dollar stock options is the ultimate vicarious fulfillment of “sticking it to The Man.”
But what if you are The Man? Most senior executives can certainly avoid public scandal simply by adhering to ethical principles and treating their employees fairly. Being good, however, while simultaneously maintaining your power and efficacy as a leader....now that's more difficult. Fortunately, these issues are nothing new. In fact, history is loaded with examples of big brains applying their stuff to the problems of leadership. Today's senior executive, in shaping his or her own personal leadership style, should look beyond the gurus at CNNMoney.com or the Wall Street Journal and consider the writings of some of history’s most celebrated political philosophers.
Let's take a look at some of this ancient wisdom, just as fresh now as it was the day it was scrawled on papyrus or hacked into a slab of marble.
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. From the early Renaissance comes the advisor of advisors, Machiavelli. Unable to hire him as a consultant, at least you have The Prince, arguably the most famous work of political philosophy ever written. Machiavelli taught us how to be wickedly successful. His combination of brute honesty and tough love made him the Dr. Phil of his day. In particular, Machiavelli gives us advice for managing and controlling rowdy employees:
- Restrained Generosity is the Key to Payroll: Fat salaries make for greedy workers, and deplete financial resources. On the other hand, greatly underpaying employees makes them resent you, undermining your authority and decreasing their productivity. In all things, moderation.
- Shun the Sycophants: A select cohort of advisors is helpful...but only if they advise you objectively. Don't be afraid to test your advisors for both competence and loyalty, and to make big changes when you see big problems with your team.
- Disregard Irrelevant Flaws: Here Machiavelli attacks his predecessor, the great Plato, for dreaming of imagined principalities and ignoring the facts of human politics. Translation for business: obsession with perfection is detrimental to the success of a leader. Can’t spell or remember names? It probably doesn't matter. Concern yourself only with the virtues it takes to bring success to the company, and leave the others out.
On the Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau was a romantic, a botanist, revolutionary....and a shrewd political observer. Rousseau’s On the Social Contract explores the creation of a legitimate political community. For Rousseau, this means above all a democratic community, with each citizen casting his vote for the common good. In a business context, these thoughts show the utility of team-building and cooperation generally:
- Productivity Requires Sacrifice. Treat your employees like they're a part of the Social Contract, and that each and all are working toward the big broad goals of the corporation. Petty self-interest and vanity should be shown the door.
- “You Too Can Be A CEO.” Since each employee is equally a member of the corporation, each deserves respect and encouragement. Bolster your employees' dreams by giving examples of those who have worked from the bottom up. You'll see them rise to the occasion, to the benefit of the corporation as a whole.
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes gave us the “state of nature,” among other core concepts of modern liberal democracy. But Hobbes favored stability, peace, and centralized authority. In his Leviathan, Hobbes teaches us why the sovereign needs to be a single person, and why this person is necessary.
- Don't Make Your Workplace a State of War. Keep the communication flowing between your employees, their managers and yourself. Otherwise, sedition may lead to a decrease in productivity and perhaps a revolution. Corporate executives must prize reliable information about the state of mind of their employees. With this information one can see problems before they develop, and plan accordingly.
If you like what Machiavelli, Rousseau, and Hobbes have to say, read up on their original work for further insights and check out the writings of a few of their compatriots, John Locke, David Hume, or John Stuart Mill. History does indeed repeat itself and much of their advice is as applicable today as it was 200 years ago.
Since beginning in 2002, HiProFile has established relationships with organizations throughout New England needing to fill positions at the $100–400K base salary level. Unlike outplacement firms or “headhunters,” HiProFile carefully selects its member companies and the executive candidates provided to them. In other words, the firm maintains a “by invitation only” policy regarding member companies and executive talent and does not advertise to solicit either. Additional questions or information should be directed to Joanna O’Leary, Vice President of Strategy. (joleary@hiprofilellc.com).
HiProFile LLC ● 125 Summer Street ● Boston, MA 02110 ● 617-345-0007 ● www.hiprofilellc.com
