Unleashing Spartan Spirit: Leadership Lessons
In the ever-shifting landscape of organisations, where strategies evolve, trends surge, and technology advances, one truth remains the same: the core values of effective leadership. Step back in time and let’s get inspired from the ancient Spartan warriors. Spartan warriors were popular for their ethos, discipline, honor, and resilience and they offer to us a timeless lesson: that the fundamental principles of leadership stand strong.
In a world where the echoes of recent layoffs and restructurings still reverberate, imagine harnessing the enduring spirit of Spartans, infusing their ageless wisdom into modern leadership. From leading by example to forging unbreakable team cohesion, the Spartans held keys to success that transcend eras, even in the face of challenging transitions.
The Spartan Ethos: Foundations of Leadership
At the heart of the Spartan ethos lies a set of foundational principles that can profoundly shape modern leadership practices. So, what is ethos?
An ability for doing good, the greatest virtues are necessarily those most useful to others
Aristotle
Invest in Your Hiring Process: Identifying the Growth Mindset
Much like the Spartans meticulously selected candidates who exhibited unwavering discipline and determination, investing in your hiring process is essential. Look beyond skills and experience — seek out candidates with a growth mindset. These individuals are eager to learn, adapt, and take on challenges, qualities that resonate with the Spartan dedication to self-improvement. By identifying and welcoming growth-oriented individuals, you lay the foundation for a team that is open to change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
There are a couple of things you could ask during the interview to identify the Growth Mindset, here are some examples:
- What has been the most impactful mistake or failure in your career that helped you improve personally or professionally?
- What’s a recent book / article / podcast that recently inspired you or changed the way you think about life or work?
- How would you go about becoming a really good saxophonist?
Hire for Culture, Train for Skills: Forging Unity
In the Spartan ranks, unity was paramount. The same principle applies to modern teams. When hiring, consider candidates whose values align with your company culture. Just as Spartans forged unbreakable bonds to strengthen their formation, a cohesive team is built on shared values and a sense of belonging. Skills can be taught, but the alignment of values creates a resilient and unified workforce that can overcome challenges together.
You don’t hire for skills, you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills.
Simon Sinek
Mastering Growth Management: Care Personally
Spartan leaders excelled in honing the potential of their warriors. In the same vein, successful modern leadership involves growth management. Initiate regular career conversations (or stay conversations) with your team members. Discuss their aspirations, strengths, and areas for development. This dialogue serves as a parallel to the Spartan emphasis on individual growth and development within the collective. Collaboratively build a growth career action plan that outlines milestones and strategies for advancement. This not only keeps your team engaged but also provides a roadmap for personal and professional growth.
Practicing Radical Candor: Open and Direct Feedback
Spartans were known for their straightforward and direct communication. In the realm of leadership, adopting the practice of radical candor — open and honest feedback — is crucial. After crafting growth career action plans, make a commitment to providing regular feedback. Just as Spartans relied on one another’s insights to improve their strategies, your team members will benefit from candid feedback that helps them grow and develop more effectively.
Conclusion
The Spartan ethos offers us a treasure trove of leadership wisdom, adaptable and relevant even in the face of changing business landscapes. By investing in your hiring process, hiring for culture, mastering growth management, and practicing radical candor, you cultivate an environment where your team members can flourish, develop, and contribute their best. In the pursuit of becoming modern-day leaders, let the lessons of the Spartans inspire you to lead with discipline, empathy, and a commitment to growth.
This will be a series of blog posts, so stay tuned for the followings:
- Lead by Example: Spartan Kings and Officers
- Team Unity and Cohesion: The Phalanx Formation
- Endurance and Resilience: Overcoming Adversity
- Adaptability: Learning from Defeats
