How an Ancient Philosophy Can Keep You on Track at Work Today

Feeling like things are out of control in the business world these days? You’re not alone – but a set of philosophical principles laid down thousands of years ago can help you settle yourself even now.

In present-day usage, stoicism is generally understood to mean keeping an even emotional keel, especially in bad situations. And yes, that’s a part of Classical Stoicism, which traces its roots to ancient Greece around 300 BC. 

But it’s only one part, and not even the main part. 

Simply “going with the flow” and not getting fussed when things aren’t good is passive. The overarching aim of Classical Stoicism, however, is “virtuous action.” In more contemporary words, it’s always seeking to do the right thing. 

Supporting Classical Stoicism are Four Cardinal Virtues: 

Wisdom

This is not the same as intelligence, but intelligence is a factor. Think of wisdom as being intelligent enough to learn from experience. Bonus points if you’re intelligent enough to learn from others’ experiences – especially their screwups. 

Intelligence is knowing you can get hurt if you cut corners on safety. Experience is getting hurt because you cut corners on safety. Wisdom is seeing someone else get hurt and telling yourself, “OK, don’t do that.”

Stoicism also stresses controlling what you can and accepting what you can’t. Wisdom is knowing the difference.

In the workplace, that aspect of wisdom might look like this:

You’ve heard rumblings of impending layoffs. Do you make that decision? No. It’s not something you control. But you can control the effort you continue to put into your work. At the same time, so long as you don’t compromise your own work, you can take active steps such as networking outside your company, researching possible opportunities and updating your resume. 

Justice

Justice is more than simply having a strong sense of right and wrong. It’s the determination to act on your convictions. If you see that someone is being treated unjustly, or realize that you’ve acted wrongly, you do whatever you can about it.

Again, this comes down to knowing what you can control.

For example, if you’re not in a leadership position, you wouldn’t have the power to change a decision to fire someone. But what if that person is unjustly accused of a fireable offense?

In that case, you do have the power (and, Stoicism would mandate, the obligation) to speak up for that colleague. It’s the just thing to do.

Courage

This isn’t blind disregard for risk. It’s understanding a risk, considering its consequences, and continuing to press on and do the right thing anyway. 

This is naturally closely linked to the principle of justice. You could say that courage is the backbone of justice. 

And while you can’t entirely control the risks associated with doing the right thing, you can control your response to that risk and choose to act justly anyway.

Say you have a teammate who’s a bully and has picked the new hire as their target. If you stick up for the new hire, you’re likely to become the target. Courage takes that risk and steps up, because it’s a virtuous action. 

Moderation 

Yes, self-denial is a part of Classical Stoicism. But it’s a moderate self-denial. The goal isn’t to avoid any pleasure in life. Enjoy the things you enjoy. Just don’t over-indulge.

Obviously, this applies in any “work-social” situation. How many careers have been wrecked by an open bar at the company holiday party? 

Moderation also involves your emotions. Don’t be ruled by your reactions to external circumstances. Enjoy good things when they happen to you, and work hard to make them happen, but don’t take them as your due. Similarly, it’s okay to feel things like disappointment, anger, and even grief – but don’t live there. 

Want more on managing stress? Check out How to Handle Emotions Under Pressure

Get an unexpected promotion? Outstanding! Accept it, enjoy it – but don’t assume that your stay at the top is assured. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing. Passed over for a promotion you expected? It’s OK to be disappointed, but don’t let that disappointment keep you from working to get better.

Benefits of a Stoic Approach on the Job

Classical Stoicism isn’t a magic formula for success in the workplace. However, applying its principles can yield significant benefits.

Stoicism’s emphasis on clear thought and right action leads to constant self-improvement in both performance and attitude. That’s always a plus.

Stoicism fosters resilience, which can markedly lower your stress levels at work. Modeling resilience is also a way to help others develop it – and that’s especially needed in unsettled times.

Stoicism can show others that you’re dependable in tough situations. When you don’t panic over what you can’t control, and move quickly to do the right thing with what you can control, that shows resilience and leadership potential. 

Sometimes, things really are that bad. When you have a reputation for not overreacting to what’s going on around you, people are more likely to listen to you when you say, “No, really, this is serious.” In the same way, sometimes things aren’t as good as they seem. Not getting carried away in these situations can help keep others on an even keel, which is good for their perceptions of you – and for your organization as a whole.