What would Marcus Aurelius say on team Performance issues?

If you’re a manager, entrepreneur, or leader of any kind, you’ve likely found yourself in the trenches of team performance issues at some point. Perhaps it’s that one employee who’s always “too busy” to meet deadlines. Maybe it’s a team that can’t seem to collaborate without stepping on each other’s toes. Whatever it is, team performance problems can feel like an endless uphill battle. But what if there was a way to approach these challenges with more grace, wisdom, and a bit of humor?

What if for a brief moment you could see the world and your situation as Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher? Sure, he didn’t have to deal with PowerPoint presentations or Zoom fatigue, but the core principles of leadership and team dynamics haven’t changed all that much. In fact, if Marcus were around today, he might offer a few timeless insights on how to navigate those frustrating team performance issues.

1. "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one."

Let's kick things off with a classic piece of Stoic wisdom. When Marcus Aurelius talks about being a “good man,” he’s referring to someone who acts with integrity, responsibility, and discipline. But what does this have to do with team performance? Everything.

When team dynamics go awry, it’s easy to point fingers and complain about the behavior of others. But Marcus would remind us to look inward first. Are you setting a positive example? Are you taking responsibility for your role in the dysfunction, even if you're not the one causing it? Team performance issues often start with leadership. If you want your team to work together harmoniously, show them what it means to take ownership, stay calm under pressure, and keep your eye on the larger goal. After all, actions speak louder than words (and we all know managers who talk too much).

2. "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."

Alright, let’s take a step back. Imagine you’re dealing with a team performance issue right now. Perhaps there's a toxic group dynamic, or some team members just aren’t pulling their weight. Marcus Aurelius would tell you to stop seeing these problems as obstacles and start seeing them as opportunities.

Yes, you read that right. Instead of avoiding the hard conversations or fixing the issue in the most straightforward (and often frustrating) way possible, ask yourself: What can I learn from this?

Think about it this way—your team is a mirror of your leadership. If you’re facing performance issues, there’s an opportunity for growth. It could be the way you communicate expectations. It might be a matter of aligning team members with tasks that suit their strengths. Either way, it’s an invitation to improve the team's structure, dynamics, and perhaps even your own leadership style. What stands in the way is, in fact, the way forward.

3. "You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

Ah, this is a good one. Team issues often leave us feeling powerless. Perhaps the lack of collaboration is due to office politics. Maybe you have one “problem child” who’s dragging the team down. You feel stuck, overwhelmed, like you’re just one bad email away from a nervous breakdown.

But here’s where Marcus Aurelius would drop some serious knowledge: You control your reaction. That’s where your power lies. It’s all too easy to get caught up in drama, frustration, and the chaos of external events. But true strength comes from controlling your mind—your responses, your calm, your focus. You might not be able to control every variable in the team, but you can control how you manage it.

So, if a team member is late with their deliverables or another is causing friction, Marcus would remind you not to lose your temper. Instead, focus on how you respond. Do you react with anger? Do you give in to frustration? Or do you take a breath, assess the situation, and decide on the best course of action? Your mind is your most powerful tool.

4. "Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself."

Okay, now we’re getting somewhere. Every manager has that one team member who just doesn’t seem to get it. You’ve explained things a hundred times, given feedback, and yet… nothing changes. How would Marcus Aurelius handle this? By practicing tolerance with others, but holding himself—and those around him—accountable to the highest standards.

Don’t get bogged down in frustration or impatience. Instead, create a culture of high expectations for everyone—including yourself. Set clear standards for performance, hold your team accountable, and always lead by example. But also remember that everyone is human. Tolerance, in this sense, doesn’t mean allowing poor performance to slide—it means acknowledging that people have strengths and weaknesses. You may need to adjust your approach or provide extra support where necessary. It’s about balance, not perfection.

5. "The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injustice."

This one is a bit of a curveball, but bear with me. Imagine a scenario where a team member has undermined you or a colleague, or maybe they’re just plain rude. The temptation to snap back, retaliate, or match their negativity is real. But Marcus Aurelius would say: Don't stoop to their level.

When dealing with team performance issues, remember that retaliating with anger or frustration only perpetuates the cycle. Instead, rise above. Show your team what it means to handle difficult situations with dignity and composure. By doing so, you demonstrate the standard for how everyone should act. It’s easy to fall into petty squabbles; the hard part is leading with integrity and grace, no matter what the other person does.

Wrapping It Up: What Would Marcus Aurelius Do?

If Marcus Aurelius were managing a team today, he’d probably have some very strong opinions on how we handle performance issues. And while he didn’t have Slack messages, corporate emails, or team-building retreats, his Stoic philosophy would still be deeply relevant.

• Lead by example—don’t just talk about what makes a good team member, be one.

• Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow—your team’s performance issue is your chance to level up as a leader.

• Control your reactions. You can’t control your team’s performance, but you can control how you respond to it.

• Tolerate imperfection in others, but maintain high standards for yourself and your team.

• And when things get tough? Don’t lower yourself to negative behavior. Rise above.

So the next time you’re in a team meeting, with a sticky performance issue on your hands, just ask yourself: What would Marcus Aurelius do? And then try to channel a little Stoic wisdom to guide you through it.

You might not be able to solve everything with one conversation, but with a little patience, self-discipline, and a touch of humor, you might just see your team start to turn things around.