Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics laid the foundation for the idea of virtue as a habit of choosing the mean between extremes. Each virtue lies between two vices: one of excess and one of deficiency. Aristotle didn’t just theorize – he offered a practical blueprint for character development.
In the following section we are translating this timeless wisdom into clear leadership tools. Below are the 12 virtues, each explained in Aristotle’s terms and applied to real-life leadership.
It amazes me how Aristotle’s insights have stood the test of time and continue to apply to modern life. For me, that’s the essence of what makes a work truly great.
1. Courage – Leading with Resolve
Aristotle’s view on Courage:
In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle defines courage (andreia) as the virtue of facing fear in a noble cause. It lies between the extremes of cowardice (lack of courage) and recklessness (excessive bravery). Courage is not simply about physical danger but extends to moral challenges, such as standing up for justice or taking responsibility for decisions. Aristotle argues that courage allows individuals to confront difficult situations, from life-threatening challenges to personal dilemmas, with reason and resolve.
Practical application in leadership:
For business leaders, courage is tested during moments of uncertainty. Whether it’s making bold decisions in the face of financial instability, launching a product with minimal market data, or making unpopular decisions for the good of the company, courage allows leaders to move forward despite fear.
Leaders need to have the courage to make tough calls. For example, choosing to pivot or discontinue a project when it’s not working, even if it means facing disappointment from stakeholders. Courage also involves standing firm on ethical values, especially when under pressure to compromise.
Leaders who demonstrate courage inspire their teams to follow suit, creating an environment where calculated risk-taking is encouraged, and integrity is maintained even during tough times. Team members are more likely to step up and face challenges head-on when they see their leaders leading by example.
Real-life example:
A CEO must decide whether to pursue an aggressive expansion into an uncertain market. The team is divided, some advocating for cautious growth. The CEO, after careful consideration, decides to move forward with the expansion, bolstered by confidence in the team’s abilities and the long-term vision for the company. This decision requires courage to face both the unknown and the possibility of failure, but it also sets an example for the team to act with resolve in uncertain situations.
2. Temperance – Mastering Desires for Long-Term Success
Aristotle’s view on Temperance:
Temperance (sōphrosynē) involves moderation, particularly in relation to physical pleasures and desires. Aristotle argues that virtue lies in achieving balance in our cravings and pleasures. For Aristotle, temperance is not about abstaining from pleasures but about enjoying them in a measured way. A temperate person knows when to indulge and when to exercise restraint. This middle ground helps maintain overall well-being, avoiding both the excess of indulgence and the lack of enjoyment that comes from strict asceticism.
Practical application in leadership:
For leaders, temperance is crucial in both personal behavior and in shaping organizational culture. Leaders need to demonstrate self-control in their decision-making processes. Overindulgence in power, luxury, or even work can lead to burnout or imbalance, while too much restraint can stifle creativity and morale.
Temperance for leaders often manifests in the form of setting healthy boundaries, avoiding overwork, learning when to delegate, and encouraging a healthy work-life balance within their teams. It also involves setting an example in managing stress, maintaining a calm and thoughtful approach when facing challenges, and ensuring that short-term indulgence doesn’t come at the expense of long-term goals.
Real-life example:
A project manager recognizes the need for balance in her team’s workload. During peak times, the manager ensures that team members are not overwhelmed by pushing them to their limits. Instead, she introduces strategies to work smarter, such as delegating tasks efficiently and encouraging regular breaks to prevent burnout. Through her temperate approach, she fosters a culture of long-term productivity and employee well-being.
3. Liberality – Generosity with Resources and Time
Aristotle’s view on Liberality:
Liberality (eleutheriotēs) is the virtue of giving, whether it be money, resources, or time. Aristotle places this virtue as a balance between being too stingy and too extravagant. A liberal person doesn’t give for recognition or out of a sense of obligation but does so out of a desire to benefit others. Generosity, according to Aristotle, is an act of kindness that should be aimed at noble causes. However, it must also be tempered by discretion to avoid wastefulness.
Practical application in leadership:
In business, liberality can extend to both material and non-material resources. A generous leader shares not only financial resources but also time, opportunities for growth, and recognition. Generosity in leadership creates a positive organizational culture, encouraging employees to give their best effort in return.
Leaders who practice liberality are also more likely to share the credit with their teams, ensuring that success is a collective achievement. In times of prosperity, a liberal leader might offer bonuses, support charitable causes, or invest in team-building activities that benefit employees’ growth and development.
Real-life example:
A startup CEO makes it a priority to invest in team development by providing employees with opportunities to attend conferences, gain new certifications, or pursue other professional growth opportunities. This liberality fosters loyalty and encourages employees to perform at their best, knowing they’re being supported.
4. Magnificence – Bold and Visionary Giving
Aristotle’s view on Magnificence:
Magnificence (megaloprepeia) extends the idea of liberality to grand actions. While liberality is about giving money or resources wisely, magnificence is about using large amounts of wealth or resources to achieve noble ends in a grand or public way. Magnificence isn’t about excess for its own sake; it is the elegant use of large-scale resources to create something of lasting value.
Practical application in leadership:
Magnificence in leadership might manifest in large investments that benefit the broader organization or community. This could include launching a significant charity initiative, creating a groundbreaking product, or building a legacy project that aligns with company values.
Leaders who embrace magnificence focus on the long-term impact of their actions. Instead of accumulating wealth for personal gain, they use their resources to push the company or society forward in meaningful ways.
Real-life example:
An entrepreneur invests a significant portion of company profits into building a training center for young professionals. This initiative isn’t just about gaining recognition; it’s about creating a lasting positive impact on the industry and future generations.
5. Magnanimity (Pride) – Humility with Confidence
Aristotle’s view on Magnanimity:
Magnanimity (megalopsychia) refers to the greatness of soul, the virtue of having pride in one’s achievements without being boastful. It is the mean between excessive humility (underestimating one’s worth) and arrogance (overestimating it). The magnanimous person is able to acknowledge their accomplishments with dignity and integrity, never seeking unnecessary praise but also not shying away from credit when it is deserved.
Practical application in leadership:
Magnanimity is a powerful leadership trait. Leaders with magnanimity possess the self-assurance to make bold decisions and inspire confidence in others. They don’t seek constant validation but know their worth and understand the value they bring to the team and organization.
For leaders, this means knowing when to step forward and claim credit, while also ensuring the success of others is recognized. It is important to inspire others through quiet strength, showing humility while still demonstrating the confidence to lead with authority.
Real-life example:
A senior executive who leads a major company turnaround refrains from taking personal credit, instead emphasizing the team’s collective effort. While acknowledging his role, he focuses on the efforts of his team, ensuring everyone feels valued and appreciated.
6. Honor (Proper Ambition & Patience) – Leading with Integrity and Resilience
Aristotle’s view on Honor and Patience:
Aristotle discusses ambition (philotimia) as a key virtue, where the desire for honor is regulated between deficiency and excess. Ambition should not be motivated by vanity but should aim at achieving noble deeds. Alongside ambition, Aristotle pairs patience (makrothymia) the ability to endure hardship or frustration without losing one’s temper or acting irrationally. Patience allows a leader to stay calm in adversity, demonstrating perseverance and steadiness.
Practical application in leadership:
Leaders must embody the appropriate level of ambition and patience. The ambition to succeed and achieve can drive leaders to innovate, challenge the status quo, and pursue excellence. However, ambition should not lead to selfish or unhealthy competition but be directed toward the good of the organization.
Patience is also critical in leadership. It’s about waiting for the right moment to act and remaining calm during times of stress. Leaders who show patience can calmly navigate setbacks, keep their teams focused, and demonstrate resilience in difficult situations.
Real-life example:
A leader is working on a long-term project with high stakes but faces several delays due to external factors. Instead of reacting with frustration, the leader uses patience to keep the team motivated and focused, offering reassurance and adjusting the timeline realistically, showing that they can endure the struggle with dignity and resolve.
7. Good Temper – Maintaining Emotional Balance in Leadership
Aristotle’s view on Good Temper:
Good temper (praotēs) is a virtue of emotional control. It lies between the extremes of irascibility (excessive anger) and apathy (too little anger). Aristotle notes that a person with good temper is appropriately angered by wrongdoings but does so in a controlled, reasoned manner, not in a rash or volatile way. Good temper allows for fairness, a balanced response, and the ability to handle frustration without losing control.
Practical application in leadership:
Leaders must maintain good temper to foster a healthy work environment. While challenges and setbacks are inevitable, the ability to respond with calm and rationality helps prevent a toxic atmosphere. Leaders with good temper are not quick to anger, nor are they indifferent to issues; instead, they address problems thoughtfully and constructively.
A leader with good temper sets a standard for their team, demonstrating that conflicts can be resolved with level-headedness. This encourages open communication, reduces fear of retribution, and helps the team approach problems more rationally.
Real-life example:
During a meeting, a team member presents an idea that contradicts the current strategy. Instead of reacting impulsively, the leader listens patiently, asks insightful questions, and offers constructive feedback. By maintaining their temper, the leader shows respect for differing opinions and encourages a culture of openness and collaboration.
8. Friendliness – Cultivating Positive Relationships and Social Intelligence
Aristotle’s view on Friendliness:
Friendliness (philia) is a social virtue that regulates interactions with others. Aristotle sees this as a balance between being too quarrelsome and overly agreeable. A friendly person is approachable, kind, and considerate in their dealings with others. They form relationships based on mutual respect, and their actions reflect a balance of empathy and fairness.
Practical application in leadership:
In a leadership role, friendliness is crucial for creating a team-oriented environment. It’s about striking the right balance: being professional but warm, building trust and rapport with team members without being over-familiar or distant. A friendly leader fosters an inclusive and supportive culture where employees feel valued and heard.
By being friendly, leaders can better understand their team’s needs, foster collaboration, and motivate their people effectively. This also means being approachable during stressful times, when team members may need extra guidance or support.
Real-life example:
A department head takes time to greet every team member individually at the start of the day, offering a friendly word or encouragement. This small act shows the team they are valued, builds rapport, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the workday.
9. Truthfulness – Leading with Honesty and Integrity
Aristotle’s view on Truthfulness:
Truthfulness (alētheia) is the virtue of honesty in one’s speech and actions, avoiding both excessive boastfulness and self-deprecation. For Aristotle, truthfulness is about aligning one’s words with reality, expressing one’s true self without exaggeration or diminishment. It is the foundation of trust and respect in relationships.
Practical application in leadership:
In leadership, truthfulness is fundamental to building trust. Leaders must be transparent, not only about successes but also about failures and challenges. Leaders who speak truthfully create an environment of openness where feedback is encouraged, and issues are addressed early on. This builds a culture where honesty is valued, and people are not afraid to speak up.
Truthfulness also means taking responsibility for mistakes. Leaders who own their errors and show a willingness to learn from them inspire their teams to take accountability and grow.
Real-life example:
A manager admits to the team that a project deadline was missed due to a miscalculation and shares what steps are being taken to prevent it in the future. By being truthful, the manager fosters an atmosphere of transparency and problem-solving rather than blame.
10. Wit & Humor (Wittiness) – Using Humor to Foster a Positive Workplace Culture
Aristotle’s view on Wit & Humor:
Aristotle discusses wit (eutrapelia) as the mean in conversation. The witty person is neither dull nor offensive but uses humor appropriately to lighten situations, bring joy, and connect with others. Humor, in Aristotle’s view, is a social tool that helps people bond and makes interactions more pleasant.
Practical application in leadership:
Humor is a powerful leadership tool when used appropriately. It helps alleviate tension, break down barriers, and build rapport with team members. Leaders who use wit in a respectful and inclusive manner create a positive atmosphere where employees feel comfortable and are more likely to collaborate and communicate effectively.
Humor can also be used to de-escalate tense situations and show vulnerability, making leaders more relatable and accessible.
Real-life example:
During a stressful project, a team leader cracks a light-hearted joke to diffuse some of the tension. This not only lifts the team’s spirits but also reminds them that while work is important, maintaining a sense of humor can make challenges more manageable.
11. Friendship – Building Strong, Virtuous Relationships in the Workplace
Aristotle’s view on Friendship:
Aristotle outlines three types of friendships: those based on utility, pleasure, and virtue. The highest form of friendship is based on virtue. A relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and the desire to help each other grow. These friendships are enduring and contribute to the well-being of both parties.
Practical application in leadership:
Leaders must foster relationships that are based on respect, mutual benefit, and shared values. Building friendships in the workplace doesn’t mean being overly personal but establishing trust and camaraderie. A leader who forms virtuous relationships with their team builds loyalty and promotes a supportive work culture.
When team members feel that they are more than just employees, that they are valued, respected individuals, they are more likely to invest in the team’s success.
Real-life example:
A senior leader mentors a junior employee, not only offering career guidance but helping them navigate challenges outside of work. This type of genuine friendship builds trust, helping the employee grow and ultimately strengthening the entire team.
12. Justice – Leading with Fairness and Equity
Aristotle’s view on Justice:
Justice (dikaiosynē) is perhaps the most important of all virtues for Aristotle, as it involves fairness in all aspects of life. It is the virtue that ensures people receive what is due to them, whether in terms of recognition, reward, or punishment. Justice encompasses both legal justice (abiding by the law) and distributive justice (fairly distributing resources and benefits).
Practical application in leadership:
Justice is essential for maintaining morale and productivity in the workplace. Leaders must ensure that all team members are treated fairly, that rewards are based on merit, and that people have equal access to opportunities. Leaders must also be fair in resolving conflicts and addressing issues of inequality or discrimination.
When justice is upheld, trust in leadership grows, employees feel valued, and the organization functions smoothly. A leader who consistently acts with justice fosters loyalty and respect across the team.
Real-life example:
An HR manager ensures that promotions are based on clear criteria, without favoritism. This transparency in the decision-making process demonstrates the manager’s commitment to fairness and ensures that all team members have an equal chance to succeed.
Conclusion: Leading with Virtue
Aristotle’s 12 virtues provide a roadmap for leaders who wish to cultivate not only their personal character but also a positive and productive organizational culture. By practicing these virtues, leaders can create environments that foster collaboration, innovation, and ethical behavior, all while inspiring their teams to achieve greatness.
Through courage, temperance, liberality, magnanimity, and the other virtues, leaders can transform themselves and their organizations, promoting growth, respect, and success on every level.