Is Great Leadership Stoic?

Mark brings up the topic - stoicism as a leadership guide . He reads the definition

Virtue - wisdom, courage, moderation and justice

Mark references the article and video series he’s created around stoicism and leadership

Jim shares his thoughts - He brings up his father’s death…and life. Notes to himself that were stoic

He shares how he reflects on some of his dad’s notes and shares some

Life is how you react to things. We have very little control over much

Mark identifies stoicism versus victimhood

Jim feels true stoics don’t talk about being stoic. He begins to address the similarity of religion

Mark mentions Seneca and Marcus Aurelius

Self reflection and leadership

Mark starts to deliver his 10 stoic leadership traits

Jim mentions Ryan Holiday and Mark mentions Tim Ferris

1.  Focus on what you can control…almost nothing. How I react - How I listen - What I do

How you respond to things - this also decreases worry and stress that comes from worry

2.  Learning as a lifelong journey.  This makes you interesting, creates authority and credibility

Mark brings up Bill Clinton and Jim shares his Clinton story.

Jim brings up unlearning and how important it is to drop certain beliefs

3. Self accountability - How it fits in so closely with the foundation of the club.  It’s not sustainable to be around victims. Mark shares his recruiter perspective about people’s stories - are they blaming or taking responsibility

4.  How important failure is. Mark mentions the fear, risk, failure, experience, wisdom cycle.  Jim mentions his Silicon Valley environment and failure and then talks about his fear during his rugby days. Both guys get deeper into risk and appreciate the difference between knowledge and wisdom

5. Integrity appears in your actions when no one is looking. Actions versus words

Jim cites the difference between integrity and morality Integrity os doing what you say you’re going to do…even if it’s bad

6.  Mindfulness is paying attention with intention. Jim asks Mark for a definition of mindfulness. Being present and respectful.  Mark reflects on their partnership with respect to respect and mindfulness. Both guys reflect on their individual mindfulness. Mark shares his Henry Ford dinner story. Both guys smile about making people smile

7. Forgiveness for others and yourself. Jim brings it back to the wheel.   Mark shares his daily spiritual practice and how he beats himself up. Jim shares his self doubt story

8.  Discipline comes incrementally with consistency. Mark talks about his inner conflict with self doubt around discipline. Show up every day. Jim mentions how close addiction is to self discipline - he shares his social media “addiction”. Like sugar to the brain. Moderation is a form of discipline. Media also can make you stupid - propaganda

9.  Courage is not the absence of fear.  It’s moving forward in spite of the fear. Most people are fearful. Some do things anyway. Motivation comes from doing the right thing and can be acting in service of others. Mark mentions the video he saw about an alligator attack

10. Empathy is treating people how THEY want to be treated. Empathy versus sympathy. How do you want to be led?  Treated?  Jim says you need to work on being empathetic. Hardship creates empathy

Mark brings up his dad’s Catholic belief and how he is also a stoic. Religion and stoicism are not mutually exclusive. They exist well together and apart

Jim’s shares his recent interaction with a recent football graduate. The last bell - The last whistle. “You’re not referable”. I need to get to know you. The kid didn’t follow-up. Didn’t show up

Mark reflects on Jim’s story and compliments him on his wisdom. 3 strikes and you’re out

Jim’s quote. “When you want to help people, you tell them the truth, When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear”. - Thomas Sowell

We’re not being truthful enough

Mark wraps up encouraging listeners to investigate stoicism