The Sine Qua Nons of Leadership
In reading Jason Riley’s biography of Dr. Thomas Sowell, I am again taken with the wisdom and thoughts of who in my judgment is one of the greatest social theorists, authors, and thinkers of my time. Thomas Sowell has been and is a “Maverick” in his thinking and possesses the courage to write what he believes to be true, take the heat for his words and wisdom, and stand behind his beliefs, notwithstanding the badgering he has taken throughout his life of teaching and writing.
Although well into his 80s now, Sowell has put himself out there even on social media. Although less active now, much of his wisdom is available in his previous writings and Riley’s biography. Riley explained that many of Sowell’s posts were direct quotes from his books, which I found encouraging as I have done that sparingly. But in hindsight, maybe I should use that technique, because I am quite sure that most of my readers have not read my books. With that as a backdrop, what follows is a quote from Section 59, “Executive Courage, Sometimes You Have to Walk Point”. I call it the “Sine Qua Nons of Leadership”, Latin for the indispensable things.
It has been said that leaders should not suffer fools. I suggest that one can suffer fools longer than one should suffer disloyalty or dishonesty.
Employee morale is the oxygen of the organization - plan for it.
Establish high standards or expectations for the workforce. They will work better at full stretch. Remember the Wilson Pickett tune, “99 and 1/2 won’t do, got to have 100.”
Do not debate the importance of form versus substance; you must have both. Part of being good is looking good - that applies to your person, your grounds, and your facilities.
Tithe to learning - Give at least 10 percent of your time to professional education, individual study, or just plain reading.
There is a difference between being in control and being controlling. Know the difference and refrain from the latter.
When in doubt, trust your instincts, decide, act, and don’t look back.
You must possess self-awareness. Display your strengths. Hide your weaknesses as you work diligently to eliminate them.
Associate with others who possess character and high personal values; bring no one into your confidence who does not possess both.
Remember, when you are in charge, you are accountable. Wisdom, supervision, and correction are preludes to success. A great Army general once told me, “In God I Trust - everything else I check.” Benson