Finding Ethos Everywhere (If You Look)
By Paul Callan
My travels recently took me to Asia for business and a bit of leisure. I find during these extended journeys that my mind is more open to seeing the larger picture; to moving beyond the surface level at which I often feel restricted in my work-a-day life at home and to seeing important things that are right there, in plain sight, if I am available to those things.
For example, over the past few days, I’ve engaged in some insightful discussions with a local Singaporean and a Kiwi (a citizen of New Zealand, for those stumped by the nick name).
The Singaporean mentioned that iconic national symbols–such as Singapore Airlines and Changi International Airport–were created with a deep sense of capturing the allure, mystery, gracefulness, and promise of Singapore. These iconic images were created to represent a perennial, deeply-rooted sense of what it meant to be Singaporean.
The Kiwi talked about the adventurous nature of her countrymen. Though geographically isolated, New Zealand nonetheless reflects a soaring spirit of embracing nature and encouraging young Kiwis to leave New Zealand and see the world. My Kiwi friend referred to this adventurous spirit as a truly bedrock element of what it meant to be Kiwi.
In retrospect, I recognized a common theme in these conversations, and it was ethos (ethos is an ancient Greek word meaning “the essential character of a people”). As a student of leadership, I long ago concluded that ethos is the most essential cornerstone of organizational excellence. With ethos, groups remain vibrant and thrive. Without ethos, groups wither and decline.
So, what is the lesson in all this? I believe there are three key lessons:
- First, ethos is the essential cornerstone of excellence in all organizations, be they large or small, profit or non-profit, private or public, start up or legacy, sports teams, or universities. Even families and communities need an ethos;
- Second, all leaders must be accountable for creating a thriving ethos in their organizations. A healthy ethos should provide to its members answers to these “elementary ideas:” Who are we? How do we define ourselves? What do we do that brings value? Why does it matter?
- Third, armed with an ethos that answers those questions, a climate of unity, elevation, passion, commitment, cohesion, and perseverance will be fostered and it is this sturdy foundation that enables long-term excellence.
Once built, ethos must then be sustained, because like all forms of mastery, ethos is a perishable asset if not constantly renewed. Here are a few ways leaders can rejuvenate ethos in their groups to promote a wellspring of vitality and strength:
- Explain symbols, icons, and archetypes. Every flourishing group has symbols, icons, and archetypes that point to deeper truths and enduring wisdom within the organization—what one might call the “collective unconscious” of the group. Leaders should weave symbols and icons into their speeches, stories, and gatherings to cultivate shared identity.
- Teach Traditions. By incorporating rituals, rites, and ceremonies into the organizational fabric, leaders can leverage powerful tools to teach traditions to emerging generations and reinforce traditions with older generations. Healthy rites of passage reinforce expectations and bolster affiliation.
- Celebrate customs and courtesies. By celebrating customs and courtesies, leaders can publically express shared values, promote shared beliefs, galvanize group identity, and create a feeling of positive exceptionalism—a hallmark of championship performance.
Now that I’m home, I am again prone to falling prey to the busy-ness of life, to moving automatically from task to task, mission to mission. When I find myself sliding into such a mode, I recall my recent time overseas and try to recapture my ability to stop, look, and appreciate key elements of leadership in action, where ever they may present themselves. We can all find ethos, and see its powerful unifying effect, if we are willing to look.
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