A little bit of Greek philosophy

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It’s not exactly a surprise anymore when CEOs or company presidents come up to me and say, “Francis, I attended your Leadership Training ages ago when I was just a middle manager, and now I’m running the place! What you taught me worked, and that’s why I want you to train our leaders – to give them the insights they need to level up and grow the business.”

I will take that as a compliment. But a little voice in my head says, “Well, buddy, you’ve been at this a while…not exactly a spring chicken anymore, huh?” But hey, if it isn’t broken, right?

With decades of leadership training across diverse industries and disciplines – from profit to non-profit organizations, academia to pharmaceuticals, faith-based communities to real estate, tech, to finance and business processing – I’ve realized that the most impactful leadership training blends a philosophical mindset with an entrepreneurial spirit.

The term “philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom.” Over time, “philosophy” came to encompass the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics and reality.

Parmenides and Heraclitus were two of the most influential pre-Socratic philosophers, and they offer contrasting views on reality and change that can be applied to modern business strategies and organizational leadership.

Heraclitus is famous for believing that change is the only constant –”you cannot step into the same river twice.” The world is in a state of flux, where everything is continually evolving. In the business context, this concept of perpetual change resonates strongly with the rapid technological, social, and economic shifts seen today. Notice the following:

Adaptability and agility: Companies must be flexible, responsive to changes in the market, and open to innovation. Today’s business world is marked by digital transformation, AI, startup disruption, shifting consumer behavior, and changing regulatory environments.

Embracing uncertainty: Leadership that acknowledges the inevitability of uncertainty and prepares for it by fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous learning will thrive in today’s environment.

Strategic pivoting: Many of our local business companies have added omnichannel and online platforms to their company operations through e-commerce, and these clients of mine are doing exceptionally well and continue to grow.

Now, let’s look at Parmenides, whose core philosophy centers on stability and permanence. He is of the persuasion that “Being is One.” His famous quote is, “Whatever is – IS!” He taught that actual reality is unchanging. He believed that change is an illusion and that what exists is a stable, permanent state of being.

While this view seems contradictory to the fast-paced world of business, it offers a complementary perspective that is also valuable today. Now, let us look at this philosophy’s application to modern business.

Core values and long-term vision: Parmenides’s emphasis on stability can be applied to the importance of establishing a solid foundation – core values, mission, and long-term goals that should not be subject to constant change. Successful companies often have a strong organizational identity that guides them even as they adapt to external changes. For example, successful tech companies have maintained a consistent focus on innovation and design, even as they adjust their products to meet market trends.

Sustainable growth: Rather than chasing short-term trends, Parmenides’s teaching advocates for focusing on sustainable, long-term growth. Businesses that stay grounded in their core strengths while evolving carefully often avoid the pitfalls of overreacting to temporary shifts.

Consistency in branding and operations: Some fast-food companies, for instance, have adapted to changing consumer preferences but maintain a steady brand promise of quick, consistent, affordable food, maintaining the same quality of their products no matter where the branches are located.

The philosophies of Heraclitus and Parmenides may seem at odds, but in today’s business world, success often comes from balancing change and stability. So, what should be considered if you ask me about leadership principles or business operations? My quick and easy answer would be “YES!” Both of them.

Running your business or leading your organization involves the following:

Dynamic strategies, anchored by strong principles: Businesses should be agile and open to change (Heraclitus), but this agility should be grounded in strong, enduring principles (Parmenides). A company can experiment with new products, markets, or technologies but always in alignment with its core identity.

Innovate while preserving core competencies: Businesses that succeed tend to innovate continuously (Heraclitus) but do so by leveraging their core competencies (Parmenides). New ventures should build on existing strengths to ensure long-term success.

Change management and organizational stability: Effective change management involves making sure that while processes and technologies might change, the people and the organizational culture provide continuity. Heraclitus’s change must coexist with Parmenides’s constancy.

In modern business, Parmenides’s emphasis on stability and Heraclitus’s focus on constant change are both essential. So why all this talk about Greek philosophers and their teachings? Well, it’s often said that throwing in a bit of Greek or Latin makes a speaker sound more intelligent. But as someone deeply involved in business, I can tell you that these ideas aren’t just for show – they’re essential for achieving success and longevity. A little philosophy and wisdom go a long way in leadership.

(Francis Kong’s “Inspiring Excellence” podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google, or other podcast streaming platforms).

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