Avoiding "Caesarification": The Power of Humble Leadership
Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, offered a profound caution about the seductive allure of power: "Beware of becoming Caesarified, dyed in purple. It does happen. Keep yourself simple, good, guileless, dignified, unpretentious, devoted to justice, pious, kind, affectionate to others, and resolute in carrying out your proper tasks. Strive to be and remain the kind of person philosophy would have you be.
This isn't merely a historical warning. Aurelius, a leader himself, understood the corrupting influence that high office could wield. When I think of "Caesars," my mind often goes to Julius and Augustus, but Aurelius was keenly aware of those closer to his time – figures Caligula, Nero, and Domitian; Each, in their own way, allowed the immense power of being Roman Emperor to lead them down dark, destructive paths.
While our modern leadership roles may not involve empires or legions, the warning still rings true. Leadership can often be subtly associated with ego and self-aggrandizement. Aurelius's words serve as a potent, timeless reminder of the enduring importance of humility and integrity.
The "Caesarification" Trap:
"Caesarification" encapsulates the insidious process of becoming consumed by power, vanity, and the superficial trappings that can tempt us when we're given a leadership title. Whether it's "Manager," "Director," "Vice President," or any other elevated designation, there's a powerful pull to lose sight of our core values. This "Caesarification" is a stark warning against becoming detached from the very realities of those we are meant to lead.
In today's world, this trap can manifest in several ways:
Ego-Driven Decisions: Prioritizing personal gain, recognition, or ambition over the genuine well-being of the team or the organization's mission.
Arrogance and Detachment: Becoming isolated and inaccessible, losing touch with the daily concerns, challenges, and aspirations of those being led.
Abuse of Power: Using authority for personal advantage, to intimidate others, or to suppress dissenting voices.
Loss of Integrity: Compromising ethical principles or personal values for short-term gains or to maintain an illusion of perfection.
The Antidote: Virtuous Leadership:
Aurelius offers a clear and powerful antidote to "Caesarification": the deliberate cultivation of virtues that ground and guide effective leadership.
Simplicity: I've heard this expressed in a few ways, like "Keep the main thing, the main thing" or "Don't major in the minors." The core theme here is the immense value in avoiding unnecessary complexity and focusing relentlessly on what truly matters for your team and your mission.
Goodness: As Dr. Jordan B. Peterson once profoundly said, "I've spent some time thinking about trust like I actually think that the only true natural resource is trust, that if people trust each other, they can make the desert bloom." Acting with integrity and unwavering ethical principles is absolutely core to building that invaluable trust.
Guilelessness: Transparency, or the lack thereof, can be sensed by others long before we even realize it. Being sincere and transparent in our interactions goes a long way in inspiring others to genuinely want to follow us. Remember, if you merely have a title but no one truly wants to follow you, you are not a leader.
Dignity: Unchecked and misplaced emotions can quickly create an atmosphere where new ideas and genuine growth are suppressed. Maintaining composure and respect for oneself and others is a vital foundation for fostering growth, encouraging innovation, and strengthening team cohesion.
Unpretentiousness: At our core, we are all just people. We all have unique strengths and inherent weaknesses. We all "put our pants on one leg at a time." Remaining humble and grounded, regardless of your position or title, is incredibly powerful. You'll be amazed at how much you can learn, gain, and grow by simply being genuine and approachable.
Devotion to Justice: Your team will know, instinctively, if and when you're willing to "go to bat" for them. They need to know that when you institute or live by the rules, you ensure they are applied equally to everyone. Upholding fairness and equity in all decisions means you do not show favoritism towards those who fail to meet established standards.
Kindness and Affection: Take the time to genuinely get to know those in your care on a personal level. You don't need to be their best friend, or even anything more than just friendly. But showing empathy and compassion towards others lets them know they matter and that you truly care about them as individuals.
Resolute in Proper Tasks: This one can be among the more difficult for me personally. I have a natural tendency to want to fix everything myself. I am continually learning to let go and trust the professionals who are properly delegated to their roles. Ensuring a proper set of duties and tasks for specific roles is key to preventing individuals from becoming overwhelmed. It's equally key to stay focused on one's own core responsibilities and duties.
Practical Applications for Modern Leaders:
Cultivating these virtues isn't abstract; it requires deliberate practice. Here are some practical ways to apply Aurelius's wisdom today:
Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your actions, decisions, and motivations to ensure they consistently align with your core values. I've found that I can only truly do this if I carve out a specific, regular time each week where I can be quiet and genuinely review what I have done and how I responded.
Seek Feedback: Actively solicit honest feedback from your team members and colleagues to gain genuine insights into your leadership style and its impact. For this to be truly successful, it is absolutely important to surround yourself with people who are comfortable telling you uncomfortable truths and observations.
Stay Grounded: Actively maintain connections with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, both inside and outside your professional circle. This is key to effective leadership; I do not want myself surrounded by groupthink. I want people who are willing to come at things from a different angle.
Prioritize Service: Focus intently on serving your team and the organization, rather than seeking personal glory or recognition. Some refer to this as "Servant Leadership." However, I caution that Servant Leadership can inadvertently lead to your being a doormat and getting walked all over if you fail to set appropriate boundaries and consistently hold both yourself and others accountable for their actions.
Embrace Humility: Acknowledge your limitations openly. As a leader, you will not have all the answers, nor will you always be the most technically astute person in the room. Be willing to admit mistakes. If you seek to come across as perfect, the reality is that you will inevitably be seen as a phony or a fraud.
Live Your Values: Let your actions consistently reflect your core beliefs and principles. Practice what you preach. Do not ask anyone to put in extra work if you are not willing to put in that same effort yourself.
The Legacy of Virtuous Leadership:
By embodying Marcus Aurelius's virtues, you can create a culture rooted in trust, mutual respect, and genuine collaboration. This approach inspires others to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to a greater purpose. By consciously striving to avoid "Caesarification," leaders can leave a lasting legacy of positive impact that extends far beyond their tenure or title.
Marcus Aurelius's timeless wisdom reminds us that true leadership is not about power or prestige, but about the enduring strength of character and unwavering integrity. By cultivating the virtues he espoused, we can avoid the pitfalls of "Caesarification" and truly become the kind of leaders who inspire positive, lasting change.
