In order to govern human beings, we need to know them well. This is why many books concerned with the management of human beings contain material on psychology and sociology. But little is said about their value – and this note is intended to make up for their omission.
Spiritual Nature of Human Beings
Man’s capacity for abstract thought can only be explained on the basis of a spiritual (i.e., non-material) capacity in man. In a purely material world, it would be impossible for man to have knowledge that transcends a purely mechanical world. Imagine a model in which we have full information about all ten particles at a moment in time: each particle’s mass, position, the direction of movement, speed, acceleration, and so on. In principle, it would be possible to forecast the position of every particle at any future time.
Human Beings are Persons
Man’s capacity for knowledge far exceeds that of any animal, and his capacity for self-determination also sets him far above other animals. While animals are fully determined by their physiological needs, human beings have the power to chart their own course. This ability allows them to commit themselves to a scientific vocation, a political cause, or another human being. Man’s capacity to hold. entire lives in their hands and committing them to some over-arching purpose is obviously incomparably greater than that of animals.
While animals ultimately can be thought of as being only. complex machines, human beings have a spiritual nature and are immortal.
Practical Consequences of the Dignity of Human Persons
Every human being is not an “asset” but a person, and should be treated with the consideration due to their dignity. Respect for man’s freedom is a basic duty towards any man. Awareness of man’s fundamental dignity has many important consequences for how we govern human beings. We had an exercise on this topic and below are my insights to the exercise.
Comments on Article;
In order to govern human beings, we need to know them well. However, in order to manage human beings, we need to know their value even more than we need to know how they are likely to react in different situations.
Man’s capacity for knowledge far exceeds that of any animal. Only man is capable of abstract knowledge and only man understands. Man’s freedom or, using a different expression, his capacity for self-determination, also sets him far above other animals. While animals are fully determined by their physiological needs and by the rewards and punishments offered by their environment, human beings have the power to chart their own course.
It is also apparent that the ways in which a human being can attain fulfillment radically exceed the possibilities of animals. Suffice to mention here pursuits as artistic creation and appreciation, friendship, love, religion and politics.
Comments on What is Virtuous Leadership? by Cameron Thompson;
Virtue means strength, power and they are not something outside of us, they’re not foreign to us, the capabilities of the human heart, mind and will, its the capacity as human beings so when you develop virtues you’re developing strengths, you’re developing actual habits of excellence at being human and in turn you live a good life. There are also virtues of the intellect in the will and also virtues of the heart which are the essence of leadership. It is then that you become a real leader not just an excellent human being, you will also become capable of excellently leading other human beings.
Virtuous is somebody who is good at being a human person. Virtuous Leadership is a function of character, it has to flow from who you are, It is something that comes from the heart.
Comments on How to identify a Good Leader? by Alex Harvard;
Not everyone is a leader!
A leader is someone who lead people/organisation to greatness. This word should not be misused but can only be used when you have people who are interested in human beings with the right means to bring people to greatness.
Leadership begins by the heart not the brain, is the heart large, big, magnanimous etc. We should choose leaders who would work the talk, people with facts and with action not just people who talk without doing.
Comments on Five Principles of Social Impact by Marian Spier;
Social Impact is how organizations and people’s actions affect their surrounding community.
This was explained using the 5 principles of Social Impact listed below;
Chance – You have to create an opportunity. Most people that created a youth social impact looked for an opportunity
Clarity – You have to strategize.
Craze – You need to have a passion for what you do
Courage – You need to have an entrepreneurial mindset
Considerate and Determined – You need to be purposeful and meaningful in everything you do.
Comments on Virtuous Leadership 2 by Alex Harvard;
Virtue is more important than value, value are basic things. Virtue is a dynamic force that gives you the capacity to do things that people that have no virtue cannot do. He described the four basic virtues as;
Prudence: is the habit of making the right decision and it is the first fundamental virtue that gives you the capacity to be a good decision maker.
Courage: is the capacity to stay the course and it is also about daring.
Self Control: human beings have passions and we don’t want the passions to destroy us. Self control helps you to do what you have to do in a managerial role. and Justice.
Personal Experience of Meeting a Virtuous Leader
I worked in an organisation where the Group Managing Director was very intentional about the growth of his staff. He always wanted us to grow in all areas especially in career. What he does is that, he sponsors anyone who is willing to further their education and also encourages you to follow the path by giving you access to free leave with pay. He also supports his staff to settle accommodation needs.
Personal Experience of Meeting a Non-Virtuous Leader
My first job was one that cannot be talked about because my then boss did not care about our well being. He was more controlling and unwilling to contribute to his staff success. He was all about getting the job done. I wasn’t pleased with the way he runs his business so I had to leave.
3 Special Acts of Service I did
While I was in the university, I worked in the decorating unit without getting paid. We had to decorate the chapel on every occasion even if it required working overnight to get the job done.
I donated to the course of glaucoma detection and treatment as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility to the environment for the company I worked for.
Lastly, as part of my act of service, I have people I give cloths to and they are always looking forward to the time.
Ethical Services