Have leadership principles changed over time?

Did you know…

It’s estimated that a week’s worth of The New York Times contains more information than the average person was likely to come across in a lifetime in the 18th century.  

• In 1900, human knowledge doubled every 100 years.  
• In 1945, human knowledge doubled every 25 years.  
• In 2014, human knowledge doubled every 13 months. 
• In 2020, human knowledge doubles every 12 hours!

These are mind-boggling statistics. For me, it begs the question: should our ever-expanding knowledge change how we lead? 

“Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.”  

Given how life continues to move faster and faster with the advancements in technology, wouldn’t you think the author of this quote would be current? You may be surprised to find that this quote comes from Socrates, who lived from 470BC to 399BC.

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”  

This is so applicable for living in today’s world, where fear prevents us from taking the necessary risks in striving to reach higher, to reach our potential. Interestingly, this quote comes from Confucius, who lived 551BC to 479BC. I guess living in one’s courage zone is not something new after all!

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”

In an age where our phone alarm wakes us up for the morning – which can make it so easy and dangerous to start our day by being busy or in fear from looking at our text messages, social media or e-mails – the counsel to start our days with an attitude of gratitude has never been more important. Again, we think this quote must be from someone who lives in this era. Wrong!  The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who lived from 121AD to 180AD, is the author of this quote.

“Worry weighs a person down, an encouraging word cheers a person up.”  

We live in a time where depression has never been greater. Boston University recently issued a report titled “Depression Rates in US Tripled when the Pandemic First Hit- Now, They’re Even Worse”.  The powerful reminder of affirming someone has never been more appropriate. You may be surprised to find that this quote comes from King Solomon, who lived from 970BC to 931BC.

These quotes fuel why at Reaching Higher, “We believe Leadership Principles are Time Tested Truths still applicable today.” Do you?