The Philosopher Manager: Philosophy as a Pillar of Effective Leadership

This article is part of a series of reflections on the role of the manager in the current context, where we have previously explored the figures of the Focused Manager and the Innovation Manager. Each of these writings delves deeper into the qualities that characterize effective leadership, conducting a critical analysis from various theoretical and practical perspectives.

On this occasion, we propose the Philosopher Manager, a figure that approaches leadership from the fundamental principles of philosophy. Often, we observe that philosophy has not been a favorite subject for many, and there is a lack of awareness among managers about its crucial importance in leadership. A manager who cannot think critically, communicate clearly, and reflect on their decisions will not be able to unlock the full potential of their teams.

This article aims to highlight how philosophy can enrich leadership style, offering tools to connect more effectively with collaborators and foster a more dynamic, reflective, and transcendent organizational environment.

Meaning and Purpose: Motivation that Transcends Tasks

For the Philosopher Manager, meaning and purpose are fundamental pillars of authentic leadership. Inspired by the existentialist philosophy of authors such as Viktor Frankl and Kierkegaard, this leader constantly seeks the "why" behind each action, both for themselves and for each team member. I have observed that teams that understand their purpose beyond immediate goals are more motivated, resilient, and committed. Purpose provides direction and meaning, transforming daily tasks into valuable contributions to a greater vision.

It is critical that the philosopher manager connects every decision and action with this broader purpose, inspiring their team to see beyond routine work. As Frankl (2006) highlights, the search for meaning is a fundamental driver of human beings; when a leader manages to align this meaning with organizational objectives, the impact is profound and lasting. Simon Sinek, in his famous Golden Circle model, also emphasizes the importance of starting with "why," suggesting that organizations that clearly communicate their purpose are more effective in inspiring their teams and customers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many people to deeply question the meaning of work and its purpose in life. According to a study conducted by PwC, 97% of global CEOs have taken steps to change how they create, deliver, and capture value, adapting to new social and economic realities. This change has highlighted the need for a clear purpose within organizations. Research indicates that during this period, employees have sought greater meaning in their work roles. A study published in Harvard Business Review states that workers who find purpose in their work are more likely to be engaged and productive. This phenomenon has led companies to reevaluate their missions and core values, integrating a more human approach into their strategies.Currently, B-Corp companies exemplify this connection between purpose and action. These organizations are certified for their commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment, acting under a defined purpose that contributes to an inclusive and equitable economic system. This approach not only improves employee satisfaction but also strengthens customer loyalty and brand reputation. The trend toward B-Corp certification is on the rise, reflecting an increasing awareness of the importance of integrating meaning and purpose into the core of business operations.

Ultimately, connecting an organization's meaning and purpose is not just good practice; it is the foundation upon which effective leadership is built. Without this connection, managers risk losing direction, which can lead to a lack of motivation and commitment within their teams. Therefore, cultivating an environment where meaning is clear and shared is essential for any manager aspiring to be truly effective.

Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasion in Leadership

Rhetoric, as defined by the ancient Greeks, is the art of convincing and mobilizing others through language. In the managerial context, the ability to communicate persuasively is fundamental for aligning teams with the organization's vision and objectives. We have found in various organizational transformation processes that the ability to articulate ideas and convey a common purpose not only motivates but also builds a sense of belonging among collaborators.

A study on transformational leadership (Northouse, 2022) highlights that the power of clear and persuasive communication can be decisive during times of change. Therefore, the philosopher manager must master rhetoric to inspire, persuade, and guide their team toward a shared purpose.

Dialectics: The Search for Knowledge Through Dialogue

Dialectics, as a philosophical practice, involves confronting ideas to achieve deeper knowledge. In the organizational realm, this practice translates into the manager's ability to foster open and critical discussions, allowing teams to express their viewpoints and challenge each other constructively.

In my experiences working with multidisciplinary teams, I have observed how well-directed debate can lead to innovative solutions and strengthen group cohesion. The dialectical principles described by Plato can be applied to promote an environment where ideas are continuously questioned and enriched (Crossan & Apaydin, 2010).

Maieutics: The Art of Extracting Knowledge

Socratic maieutics is a powerful tool in modern management. The philosopher manager does not provide all the answers; instead, they guide their team through questions that promote reflection and discovery. I have found that adopting a maieutic approach makes collaborators feel more empowered and engaged, becoming active participants in decision-making processes.

As Schein & Schein (2018) mention in their work on organizational culture, fostering a culture of questioning not only improves problem-solving but also contributes to individual and collective growth within the organization. This approach is especially relevant in changing environments where quick answers are not always correct.

Logic: The Foundation of Managerial Reasoning

Logic is essential for business decision-making. A manager must have the ability to analyze situations clearly while avoiding cognitive biases that could lead to erroneous conclusions. Applying logic to strategic analysis allows for well-founded decisions that withstand scrutiny.

I have noticed that many leaders fall into the trap of "false logic," making decisions based more on poorly founded intuitions than on rigorous analysis. Just as Kant insisted on the importance of pure reason, the philosopher manager must develop logical thinking that allows them to evaluate each situation from multiple perspectives before acting (Mintzberg, 2023).

Toward Philosophical Leadership

The Philosopher Manager transcends efficient leadership; they become a reflective leader who understands the importance of every word, dialogue, and decision. Through rhetoric, dialectics, maieutics, logic, and a clear sense of purpose, this leader transforms both their style and organizational culture.

Philosophy offers tools for connecting with teams at a deeper level while fostering an environment of continuous learning.In the next article, we will explore how to integrate ethical principles into business management to ensure authentic and responsible leadership.

This text has been drafted with assistance from Artificial Intelligence and supported by the following bibliographic sources:

• Crossan, M., & Apaydin, M. (2010). A multi-dimensional framework of organizational innovation: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Management Studies, 47(6), 1154-1191.
• Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning. Herder.
• Mintzberg, H. (2023). Understanding Organizations...Finally!. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
• Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Schein, E. H., & Schein, P. A. (2018). Organizational Culture and Leadership (5th ed.). Wiley.
• PwC. (2021). Global CEO Survey: The Future of Work.
• Harvard Business Review. (2020). The Importance of Purpose in the Workplace.
• B Lab. (n.d.). Overview of B Corp Certification.
• B Lab. (n.d.). Requirements for B Corp Certification.
• Santander Open Academy. (n.d.). What is a B Corp company?
• Impulsa Empresa. (n.d.). B Corp Certification: What it is and how to obtain it.