The Delphic maxims were inscribed into stone thousands of years ago, which is honestly a genius move to ensure no one asks you for a "quick edit".
While we’ve traded stone tablets for Slack and LinkedIn, the original "consultants" at the Temple of Apollo were onto something.
If you’re tired of the latest hustle-culture jargon, maybe it’s time to revisit the original wisdom.
Here are 15 ancient-yet-modern maxims to help you navigate the work week without losing your mind.
Follow the leader: A leader needs followers and vice versa. It’s a match made in heaven. Should you challenge the status quo? Sometimes yes, but you’d better have a very good reason.
Obey the law: This goes without saying. But if your leader doesn't? Well, the law trumps the leader. Know when to draw that line.
Respect your elders, consult the wise: You’ll know my age if I start saying "kids today think they know everything." Some believe they invented the wheel. Seriously, give me some respect because I survived to this age, and ask for advice so I can prove I don't know much and therefore I'm wise :)
Know yourself & Control your anger: Knowing yourself is relevant in any aspect of life. Especially for coaches, leaders, and teachers. Gently put the mobile down and take a minute to reflect. That’s the only path to sanity.
Teach a youngster: If you can’t explain your job to someone greener than you, you probably don’t understand it as well as you think.
If you are a stranger, act like one: Follow the house rules, don't judge, and don't presume you know better. If you joined the group, you aren't a stranger anymore, but keep on not judging and not presuming.
Exercise prudence: Risk management 101. Don’t get cute with your strategy; measure twice, cut once.
Cling to discipline: Talent is great, but it’s the boring, daily discipline that actually keeps the lights on.
Pursue honor: In a world of shortcuts, your reputation is the only currency that doesn't devalue.
Listen to everyone: Silence is an underrated skill. You can’t learn anything while you’re busy talking.
Nothing to excess: Before there were intermittent fasting and credit cards, there was moderation. Work at a sustainable pace.
Use time sparingly: Time is the one thing you can't outsource or audit. Use it on what actually moves the needle.
Speak plainly: If you need a thesaurus to explain your point and have to go all the way back to the ancient greeks to provide context... Just say it like it is.
Surety brings ruin: Beware of false certainty. If someone is 100% sure about a "silver bullet" solution, run.
Do not tire of learning: I’m proudly telling anyone who listens that I’m a lifelong learner. Not such a novel idea, apparently.
Next time you’re stressing over a project or a quarterly review, ask yourself: What would a Greek oracle say? Probably something wise, slightly cryptic, and much harder to pronounce.
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