You should not be surprised that you encounter bad people. The world is full of them. It is your task to work with them as they are. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.42

This wisdom extends beyond leadership, applying to how we manage our lives, relationships, and daily challenges. 
The essence of Stoicism, which Marcus Aurelius practiced and wrote about, emphasizes the importance of accepting reality as it is and working with what we have, rather than lamenting what could be. In this article, we'll explore how Stoic philosophy and leadership align and how we can apply these principles to our own lives.

Stoicism and leadership: a perfect union

Marcus Aurelius, one of the most powerful figures in history, led the Roman Empire while practicing Stoicism—a philosophy centered on virtue, strength, and self-control. In Stoicism, leadership and virtue are inseparable. A good leader must be wise, compassionate, and humble. Similarly, to live as a Stoic, one must practice the same. 

Leadership, from the Stoic perspective, is not about dominating others or being flawless. It’s about working with the reality of human imperfections—both your own and others'. As Aurelius knew, even a person with vast power must remain humble and remind themselves of their own mortality, practicing the Stoic idea of memento mori (remembering that one day you will die). This constant awareness of our finite time keeps us grounded, prevents arrogance, and helps us lead with empathy.

The reality of imperfection

One of the core teachings of Stoicism is that life gives us situations—good and bad—that we must accept. Leaders are given teams with diverse strengths and weaknesses, tools that may be imperfect, and environments that are often far from ideal. The Stoic leader does not wish for flawless conditions but works intelligently with what they have. 

Marcus Aurelius’ quote reminds us that part of being an effective leader is not fantasizing about a perfect team or a flawless outcome. Instead, it's about recognizing that people are emotional, imperfect, and prone to mistakes. As a leader, your responsibility is to help them grow, improve, and contribute, while accepting that setbacks will happen.

Stoic leadership in practice

To lead well—whether it’s at work, in a family, or in our communities—we must embrace imperfections. When someone on your team makes a mistake, it’s easy to get frustrated. But if we apply Stoic principles, we must pause and remember that mistakes are inevitable. Rather than react with anger or disappointment, we can guide our team through their errors with patience and understanding.

In the same way, in our personal lives, we must accept that the people around us—our friends, partners, and family—will not always make perfect choices. They will get angry, make poor decisions, or act out of emotion. The Stoic response to this is to practice compassion and forgiveness. It is our job to work with the people we have, not the idealized versions of them we might fantasize about. 

The importance of humility

Aurelius himself struggled with remaining humble, as his writings reveal. It is no easy task to stay grounded when you hold immense power. But humility is essential in leadership, just as it is in life. No matter how skilled or strong we become, we must recognize that we are not invincible. Our flaws and limitations will always be part of us.

By embracing this reality, we also avoid the trap of ego. If we think of ourselves as flawless leaders or perfect individuals, we risk becoming disconnected from the people we lead and from the reality of life itself. Humility keeps us open to learning, growth, and better understanding of those around us.

Stoicism leadership for everyone

Even if you don’t hold a formal leadership position, the Stoic approach to leadership can still apply to your life. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that everyone has the potential to lead, whether in a work setting or in personal growth. Being a Stoic leader in your own life means accepting the hand you’ve been dealt—your strengths, your weaknesses, and the circumstances that shape your path—and using it to the best of your ability.

In practical terms, this means forgiving others when they fail to meet your expectations, and it means forgiving yourself for your own flaws. By leading with compassion, you create an environment of growth and trust, both in your relationships with others and within yourself.

Leaning into Stoic leadership

The Stoics remind us that perfection is a fantasy. Life is filled with imperfections, flawed decisions, and emotional reactions. But through Stoic principles, we learn to navigate these challenges with wisdom, humility, and compassion. Whether leading a team at work or simply managing your own life, the Stoic approach helps us remain calm, empathetic, and intelligent in the face of adversity. 

Leadership is not about having all the answers or making perfect decisions. It’s about accepting the world as it is, working with what you have, and striving to improve every day. In doing so, you embody the true spirit of both leadership and Stoicism.

Brandon is most well-known for his podcast, The Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses philosophical ideas both solo and with guests. He also coaches individuals to help them be their best selves, writes articles, plays music, manages projects, and several other things.

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