Lessons from "How to Be a Bad Emperor"
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leadership
Leadership is a timeless art, and history often provides the most poignant lessons. I just finished reading the book *How to Be a Bad Emperor*, based on the writings of Suetonius and translated by Josiah Osgood, which offers a deep dive into the leadership failures of notorious Roman emperors. By examining these historical narratives alongside modern examples, we can glean valuable insights into the dangers of power and the principles of effective leadership.
Hubris and Its Consequences: Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar's story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of hubris. As Suetonius recounts, Caesar’s accumulation of unprecedented power and his blatant disregard for traditional norms sowed the seeds of his assassination. Caesar accepted excessive honors, such as a continuous consulship and the dictatorship for life, which were seen as undermining the republic. His refusal to stand when the Senate approached, a mark of his arrogance, deeply offended the senators.
Modern Leadership Lesson: Embrace humility
Arrogance and self-aggrandizement can alienate colleagues and subordinates. For instance, consider the case of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos. Holmes's overconfidence and refusal to acknowledge flaws in her company's technology led to its spectacular collapse and her criminal charges for fraud. Modern leaders should value the contributions of others and demonstrate respect to foster a collaborative and respectful work environment. Humility can strengthen relationships and build a more united team, preventing the kind of resentment that brought down Caesar.
Managing Hubris
Self-awareness is crucial for leaders to manage their hubris. By fostering a team that will keep them humble and seeking out hard feedback, leaders can avoid becoming arrogant and complacent. Regularly soliciting honest feedback from team members helps leaders stay grounded and aware of their impact. Admitting mistakes and sharing credit for successes demonstrates humility and builds trust within the team. Engaging in active listening and creating an open environment where employees feel valued ensures that diverse perspectives are heard and considered. This approach not only mitigates the negative effects of arrogance but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect.
The Isolation Trap: Tiberius
Emperor Tiberius’s retreat to the island of Capri epitomizes the dangers of isolation in leadership. By withdrawing from Rome, Tiberius distanced himself from the realities of his empire, leading to a lack of oversight and rampant corruption. Suetonius describes how Tiberius’s seclusion allowed his worst vices to flourish unchecked, ultimately neglecting the needs of the state.
Modern Leadership Lesson: Stay engaged and connected.
Effective leaders must remain actively involved in their organization’s affairs. Isolation can lead to mismanagement and a disconnect from critical issues. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some leaders, such as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, were criticized for becoming isolated and failing to communicate effectively with their teams and the public, leading to mismanagement and public distrust. Regular interaction with team members and stakeholders is essential for maintaining oversight and addressing problems promptly.
Avoiding Isolation:
Leaders can avoid isolation by working on their approachability, which is a function of humility, honesty, self-deprecating humor, and consistency. Humility allows leaders to acknowledge their limitations and welcome input from others, creating an environment where team members feel valued and heard. Honesty fosters trust, as team members know they are receiving genuine and transparent communication. Self-deprecating humor can humanize leaders, making them more relatable and breaking down barriers that might inhibit open dialogue. Above all, consistency in behavior and communication builds a reliable foundation for ongoing engagement.
Additionally, leaders should engage in proactive, ad-hoc outreach beyond formal meeting structures, which often result in heavily sanitized feedback. This could involve informal check-ins, casual conversations, and spontaneous visits to different departments or team gatherings. Such interactions provide a more accurate pulse of the organization, allowing leaders to gather unfiltered insights and address concerns promptly. By prioritizing approachability and informal outreach, leaders can stay connected, understand their team’s real challenges, and foster a culture of open communication.
The Destruction of Cruelty: Caligula
Caligula’s reign is a classic example of how cruelty and erratic behavior can destroy a leader’s legacy. Suetonius vividly portrays Caligula’s sadism, such as his infamous act of making his horse a consul to mock the Senate and his enjoyment of brutal punishments. His reign was marked by fear and chaos, illustrating the catastrophic effects of unrestrained power.
Modern Leadership Lesson: Lead with compassion and fairness.
Leaders who govern through fear and cruelty create toxic environments that hinder innovation and breed discontent. Consider the case of Travis Kalanick, former CEO of Uber. His aggressive and often harsh leadership style created a toxic workplace culture, leading to numerous scandals and his eventual resignation. Compassionate leadership, characterized by empathy and fairness, fosters a positive culture and motivates team members to perform at their best.
Cultivating Compassion:
Cultivating compassion starts with getting to know your team members on a personal level—understanding their lives, what drives them, and the circumstances that influence their actions. This deeper connection allows leaders to empathize with their team’s challenges and motivations. Reflecting on times when you have been the recipient of compassion can provide valuable insights into effective leadership. Just as Ernest Hemingway said, “you especially have to be hurt like hell before you can write seriously,” leaders must experience and understand compassion firsthand to lead with it authentically. By recognizing and appreciating the humanity of each team member, leaders can create a supportive and motivating work environment that fosters loyalty and high performance.
The Perils of Indulgence: Nero
Nero’s indulgence in personal pleasures at the expense of his responsibilities provides another critical lesson. Suetonius details Nero’s obsession with his artistic pursuits, such as performing as a musician and actor, and his neglect of state affairs. This indulgence led to economic decline, widespread dissatisfaction, and ultimately rebellion. Nero's infamous fiddling while Rome burned symbolizes his detachment and irresponsibility during a time of crisis.
Modern Leadership Lesson: Balance personal interests with professional duties.
While personal passions are important, they should not overshadow a leader’s responsibilities. Leaders must ensure that their personal pursuits do not compromise their ability to effectively manage their organization and serve their stakeholders. For instance, Adam Neumann, co-founder of WeWork, was criticized for his excessive lifestyle and focus on personal ventures, which distracted from the company's business operations and contributed to its failed IPO. Leaders should strive to maintain a healthy balance, ensuring that their personal interests do not detract from their professional obligations.
Balancing Interests:
As a leader, everything you do is viewed under a microscope, so conspicuous consumption or indulgence never goes unnoticed. It’s crucial to understand that your actions set the tone for the entire team. Never ask your team to do something or make a sacrifice that you wouldn’t agree to yourself. This principle fosters respect and solidarity within the team. Strive to bring equality to the workplace by not setting yourself apart with excessive perks or privileges. By leading by example and maintaining a balance between personal interests and professional responsibilities, you demonstrate integrity and commitment, which can inspire and unify your team.
The Impact of Ethical Leadership: Augustus
In contrast to the bad emperors, Augustus is often celebrated for his relatively stable and effective leadership. Augustus implemented reforms that strengthened Rome’s infrastructure and governance, such as rebuilding the city’s temples and improving its administrative systems. Suetonius highlights Augustus’s focus on building a legacy of stability and growth, setting a positive example for future leaders.
Modern Leadership Lesson: Prioritize ethical leadership.
Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the common good are fundamental to sustainable success. Ethical leaders inspire trust and loyalty, which are essential for long-term organizational health. Consider the case of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who has been praised for transforming the company’s culture by emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and ethical behavior. By prioritizing ethical behavior, leaders can build a solid foundation for enduring success and avoid the pitfalls of corruption and self-interest that plagued many Roman emperors.
Promoting Ethical Leadership:
Promoting ethical leadership begins with establishing a personal guiding philosophy and steadfastly adhering to it. Always hold yourself to the highest possible standard. As Marcus Aurelius said, “Be strict with yourself and tolerant with others.” This mindset helps ensure that your actions align with your values, setting a strong ethical example for your team. Additionally, over-communication is crucial; consistently articulate your principles and decisions to build and maintain trust. Transparency fosters a culture of integrity and mutual respect. By staying true to your guiding philosophy and clearly communicating your standards, you create a trustworthy and ethically sound environment that inspires confidence and loyalty within your team.
Conclusion
How to Be a Bad Emperor offers timeless lessons on leadership by highlighting the failures of some of history’s most infamous figures. These stories remind us that effective leadership is about more than just wielding power; it’s about doing so responsibly and ethically.
To avoid the pitfalls faced by leaders like Julius Caesar, Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero, modern leaders should embrace humility, stay connected with their teams, lead with compassion, balance personal interests with professional duties, and prioritize ethical conduct. Learning from these ancient examples, alongside modern ones, can help leaders navigate the complexities of today’s world more effectively.
By managing negative traits and embracing their positive counterpoints, leaders at all levels can create environments of trust, respect, and innovation. This approach not only fosters a healthier organizational culture but also ensures that leaders leave a legacy of success and ethical conduct.
Remember, leadership is a journey of continuous improvement. Reflect on your actions, seek honest feedback, and stay true to your guiding principles. By doing so, you can become the kind of leader who inspires others and drives positive change in your organization.