How to Be a Leader summary

Introduction

How to be a leader by Plutarch. True leadership stems from honorable motivations and impeccable character, guided by reason and expressed through eloquence. In any given society or institution, you're likely to encounter many people who want to lead. The idea of directing others or playing an important role appeals to something deep within us.

And yet, our underlying motivations often differ. Some people want to lead because they can't stand taking orders. Others simply enjoy the status that leadership brings. If you find yourself drawn to leadership roles, stop and consider your real motivations.

You should want to lead for the right reasons. The decision to lead should never be taken lightly.

honorable motivations

Honorable Motivations. In Plutarch's world, the most important political unit was the city-state. Although some orders came from Rome, many decisions were still made within the polis. That meant electing capable, motivated officials was of great importance.

But what was it best for such leaders to be motivated by, and what forms of motivation were undesirable? According to Plutarch, budding leaders should be motivated by duty and honor. But leaders should not be motivated by an excessive desire for glory and public acclaim. Why not?

Because politicians motivated by glory make for tumultuous and unstable societies. Instead of making rational and moderate decisions, leaders grow reckless in pursuit of fame. They act rashly, often to the detriment of the cities they serve. Plutarch chose Cato the Elder as an example of true leadership.

When the citizens of Rome wanted to erect a statue in his honor, Cato refused. He said he'd rather have people asking why there was no statue of him. He preferred that to people asking why there was one. Unlike other self-aggrandizing politicians, Cato was motivated by the welfare of Rome.

He was not motivated by the desire to improve his own reputation. That's an attitude all leaders should emulate.