If the Shoe Fits: Gods and Gurus
by Miki SaxonA Friday series exploring Startups and the people who make them go. Read all If the Shoe Fits posts here
Aristotle produced a good bit of wisdom in the course of his life, much of which can be tweaked to apply to subjects other than those originally intended. For instance,
“A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.”
All you have to do to this one is singularize and capitalize ‘gods’ and it’s just as applicable today as it was when he said it.
Tweak the words differently and you have a profile that fits more founders than you might think.
A founder must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to startup gurus. Employees are less apprehensive of invalid treatment from a leader whom they consider guru-savvy and humble. On the other hand, they do less easily walk, believing that he has the gurus on his side.
Well? What do you think?
Does the shoe fit?
Image credit: HikingArtist
