Can an Unethical Person Be an Effective Leader?

Based on the wisdom of ancient philosophers, an unethical leader may achieve power and influence, but cannot be truly effective or genuinely respected in the long term. Let me explain why.

First, as Cicero wisely notes, 'For fear is but a poor guardian for permanent possession, and, on the other hand, good will is faithful so long as there can be need of its loyalty.' Leaders who behave unethically may command obedience through fear, but this creates a precarious position - they must constantly guard against the inevitable backlash from those they oppress.

Boethius reinforces this by observing that high position actually makes the unworthiness of unethical leaders more conspicuous, not less: 'If a man is the more scorned in proportion as he is despised by a greater number, high position not only fails to win reverence for the wicked, but even loads them the more with contempt by drawing more attention to them.'

The Stoic philosopher Seneca adds crucial insight about the psychological toll of unethical leadership: 'Those who disturb the world are themselves disturbed - like cyclones that whirl together what they have seized, but which are first whirled themselves and can for this reason rush on with all the greater force, having no control over themselves.'

True effectiveness in leadership requires virtue and justice. As Cicero explains, 'The force of justice is such that it strengthens and augments the resources even of robbers.' If even thieves require some measure of justice to function, how much more crucial is it for legitimate leadership?

Moreover, unethical behavior inevitably undermines itself. Cicero notes that 'nothing unjust can be either expedient or serviceable.' Short-term gains achieved through unethical means plant the seeds of their own destruction by eroding trust, inspiring resistance, and corrupting the leader's own character.

The path to genuine respect and lasting influence lies in ethical leadership that earns goodwill rather than commanding fear. As Seneca concludes, 'You need never believe that a man can become happy through the unhappiness of another.' True leadership effectiveness comes from elevating others, not exploiting them.