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When Marcus Tullius Cicero ran for the highest office in the Roman Republic in 64 BC, his younger brother, Quintus, sent him a 43-page letter outlining a campaign strategy. The strategy must have worked because Marcus Cicero won the election and became the greatest orator that ancient Rome ever produced. The letter is published this year as a Princeton University Press bilingual (Latin/English) book.
The Wall Street Journal published a review of this book and subsequently compared the politics of the Roman Republic to the shady side of US politics. Now, everyone knows that Roman politics were satiated with intrigue and conspiracy, but there is only peripheral stock of that in Quintus’ letter. The Journal’s business is to sell newspapers, not information. I actually read the book.
It is amazing how the advice given 2,000 years ago is so modern.
The words of Quintus are in italics.
“Always remember what city this is, what office it is you seek, and who you are.” I teach the same thing in my seminars. Remember where you are, who you are, where you came from, and the people that got you here.
“ … approach every speaking engagement as if your entire future depended on that single event.” Never shortchange. Whether the janitor or the CEO, give it the best you have.
Referring to an opposing candidate Quintus says: “He is so unpredictable that men are more afraid of him when he is doing nothing than they are when he is making trouble.” Do not act in a way that people would say that of you. Leaders are consistent.
“Make it clear to each one under obligation to you exactly what you expect.” No one likes surprises. Make your instructions and expectations crystal clear.
“Recognizing the difference between the useful and useless [people] in any organization will save you from investing your time and resources with people who will be of little help to you.” Get rid of the dead weight – now. Bad attitude and bad performance are contagious. The mistake is not in removing people, but rather in taking too long to do it.
“But with any class of people, it isn’t enough that you merely call them by name and develop a friendship, You must actually be their friend.”
“Open your face and expression, for these are the window to the soul. If you look closed and distracted when people talk with you, it won’t matter that your front gates are never locked.” Most managers spend their time thinking of what they will say back instead of listening to what is being said. Leaders listen.
I like this book.