How to Be a Leader

An Ancient Guide to Wise Leadership

By: Plutarch, Jeffrey Beneker - translator

Narrated by: Matthew Waterson

The ancient biographer and essayist Plutarch thought deeply about the leadership qualities of the eminent Greeks and Romans he profiled in his famous - and massive - Lives, including politicians and generals such as Pericles, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony. Luckily for us, Plutarch distilled what he learned about wise leadership in a handful of essays, which are filled with essential lessons for experienced and aspiring leaders in any field today.

In "To an Uneducated Leader", "How to Be a Good Leader", and "Should an Old Man Engage in Politics?", Plutarch explains the characteristics of successful leaders, from being guided by reason and exercising self-control to being free from envy and the love of power, illustrating his points with memorable examples drawn from legendary Greco-Roman lives. He also explains how to train for leadership, persuade and deal with colleagues, manage one's career, and much more.

Writing at the height of the Roman Empire, Plutarch suggested that people should pursue positions of leadership only if they are motivated by "judgment and reason" - not "rashly inspired by the vain pursuit of glory, a sense of rivalry, or a lack of other meaningful activities." His wise counsel remains as relevant as ever.

©2019 Princeton University Press (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Wonderfully done

I highly recommend this book, it’s deeply educational and informative.
It should be required reading for anyone seeking public office or leadership positions.

Slow reading

This is not so much a modern "guide" as it is a retelling of the leadership qualities of various historical figures.

Hidden Gem.

One idea from the ancients, can suddenly be new. The past can teach us so much.

It’s good

It’s a quick listen
The only part I don’t agree with is when he said old people should stay in politics
I think no one over the age of 70 should be able to

Ancient perspectives on leaders

Appreciated the ancient perspective on leaders and their activities. A contemporary audience will be able to catch the ways the field of leadership has evolved to not only include an account of followers, but also process and practice of leadership.