If Aristotle Ran General Motors Summary

In his book, If Aristotle Ran General Motors, author Tom Morris applies ancient wisdom to modern day business problems. He explains that all people are seeking eudaimonia, a state of happiness through actively living fulfilling lives. In order to reach this state of personal fulfillment, Morris suggests that people need to recognize and utilize the four foundations, truth, beauty, goodness and unity. He goes on to suggest that incorporating these four virtues into our work lives and business culture will help revitalize businesses by building positive relationships and promoting growth. In this paper, I will review part one of If Aristotle Ran General Motors, which explores with the essence of truth and makes the argument that businesses should …show more content…
Mr. Agueda was straight forward in all of his interactions with employees, asked for input and made time to teach us how the business operated at every level. I did not realize it at the time, but Mr. Agueda was successful and his store’s performance consistently ranked at the top district because of his authentic approach to leading a team. Often, shifts would begin with a five-minute meeting where Mr. Agueda would assign tasks, give his insights on day to day operations and ask for feedback on the previous day’s challenges. Expectations were clear, no one was afraid to ask for clarification, make suggestions or simply ask for help. Respect was given to all, the environment encouraged employees to contribute their best efforts and …show more content…
Share your knowledge and multiply your power” (Morris, 1998, p. 36-37). By sharing knowledge with employees, businesses can provide motivation and a catalyst for team members to sharpen and expand their skills. Seeing the big picture and knowing the inner workings of business decisions enables employees to have a reason why, when they think of their work contribution in relation to the business’s goals. Simply put, when employees know how things operate they can perform their jobs better, innovate ways to overcome barriers to success and competently take on new responsibilities. A heart attack temporarily put Mr. Agueda on bedrest and kept him from his duties at Walgreens. In his leave, the store functioned as if he was there. Employees rose to the challenge and took on the store management duties that Mr. Agueda had thoroughly taught them. It was a tribute to his leadership and belief that knowledge should be distributed freely to encourage employee growth and