Context:

Plato was a philosopher who lived in ancient Greece around 400 BC, and is known for his philosophical dialogues such as Euthyphro, Phaedo, Apology, and the Allegory of the Cave. Plato was influenced by Socrates, to whom he dedicated some of his works.  Plato is mostly known for his ideology of how the world exists. He defines the ultimate goal of life as living for the long term higher goods. Plato lived in the golden age of Athens. His topics of making a perfect city, virtue, and reality are still prominent, and can be used as inspiration for today’s leaders.

Leadership Principles from Plato

1. Think Finish to Start

• When starting a team, it is important to have goals in mind so that you will have a course to follow to achieve this goal. Plato does this when he writes about Socrates approach to life, focusing on immaterial goods that prepare him for death.
• “Those who practice philosophy in the right way are training for dying and they fear death least of all men” Phaedo 67e
• Application: To make the Dean’s List in college you must know what to focus on each day of the semester. So, by allotting more time to studying and learning you can plan your day effectively.

2. Define the Issues before they Define You

• A good leader addresses potential issues before they arise to give the team your leading a competitive advantage because you are not responding in a reactionary way. The importance in being proactive is seen by how Socrates starts his defense in front of the jury.
•  “If in these speeches you hear me defending myself in the words I also usually say in the marketplace by the tables… don’t be surprised and don’t make disturbance” Apology 17c
• Application: Being proactive is important in the modern world for leaders because this allows them to address issues before they arise. Much like how Socrates leads himself by making the jury aware of his prose, a good leader identifies issues and opportunities to help steer their team to the best possible outcome.

3. Think Outside the Box

• One thing that distinguishes a great leader is a unique way of thinking and reasoning. Socrates, acknowledging his own ignorance, thinks “outside the box”. This can make you a target, but it is because others fear the power of your original ideas.
• "But why then do people enjoy spending a lot of time with me? It is because they enjoy hearing me expose those who think themselves wise but are not." Apology 33a
• Application: Being able to differentiate yourself by having original ideas will allow you to find unique solutions to complex problems. So when approaching a new problem, reject the status quo to find a solution for your teams challenge.

4. Expand Your Followers’ Horizons

• For a leader, it is important to help your followers grow to become better people. Developing the skills of those in the team helps to create a higher achieving team, allowing greater progress that would not have been possible before.
• “And suppose once more, that he is reluctantly dragged up a steep and rugged ascent, and held fast until he’s forced into the presence of the sun himself, is he not likely to be pained and irritated? Allegory of the Cave
• Application: The Allegory of the Cave suggests a leader to be one who is able to reach the surface and pave the way for others to see the sunlight of a new world. Though it may be a tough time, the struggle is well worth the reward of higher achieving synergistic team with expanded horizons of thought and knowledge.