As a proud alum of Case Western Reserve University, where I had the privilege of playing varsity football as a Spartan, the experience was far more than just a set of games or physical training. It was an apprenticeship in enduring values—a demanding forge that helped mold me into the man I am today.

I believe the principles we embodied under the Spartan banner hold a crucial, often untapped, power for leading our world into a more positive and resilient future. These aren’t relics of ancient history or just locker room slogans; they are actionable virtues for everyday life and professional leadership.

🌟 Three Spartan Values for a Modern, Positive Future

The essence of the Spartan spirit can be distilled into disciplines that, when applied consistently, drive excellence, integrity, and collective success.

1. Dedication to the Agoge (The Training)

The Agoge was the rigorous training system that defined a Spartan. In our modern context, it translates to a relentless dedication to Continuous Improvement and Preparation.

  • In Life: This means embracing personal growth, seeking knowledge, and viewing challenges not as roadblocks, but as the very training required to become stronger. A positive future demands people committed to self-betterment, ready to learn new skills to address new problems.
  • In the Profession: It means thorough preparation, deep domain expertise, and a willingness to stay current. Great leaders don’t rely on past victories; they invest daily in the mental Agoge required to lead through uncertainty.

2. The Power of Koinonia (Fellowship/Unity)

For a Spartan phalanx to succeed, every shield and spear had to operate as one. Individual glory was secondary to the success of the unit. This teaches us the immense value of Teamwork and Collective Responsibility.

  • In Life: We must look beyond individual gain and prioritize the well-being of our community, organization, or family. A positive future is built on empathy, where we recognize that the success of the person next to us is tied to our own.
  • In the Profession: True leadership involves fostering an environment of Koinonia. It’s about building high-trust teams, ensuring everyone feels heard, and prioritizing the shared mission over departmental silos or personal egos. Unity creates an unstoppable momentum for positive change.

3. Living with Areté (Excellence and Virtue)

AretĂ© is often translated as “excellence,” but it encompasses living up to one’s full potential, possessing moral courage, and performing every task with Integrity and Valor.

  • In Life: This is about having the moral courage to do the right thing, even when it is difficult or unpopular. It means holding yourself to a standard of honor and truthfulness in every interaction.
  • In the Profession: This value requires leaders to make ethical decisions under pressure and to serve as moral anchors for their teams. Integrity is the foundation upon which lasting positive influence is built. It is the valor needed not for battle, but for standing up for what is just and necessary for a brighter tomorrow.

The Call to Action

My time wearing the Spartan colors instilled a deep sense that discipline is the engine of freedom. The freedom to make a positive impact is earned through the discipline of preparation, unity, and integrity.

If we can all commit to a daily Agoge of learning, prioritize the Koinonia of our shared communities, and lead with the AretĂ© of moral courage, we won’t just witness a positive future—we will actively forge it, one dedicated effort at a time. The Spartan values are not a relic; they are a blueprint for modern leadership.

Mike DePaulo, LSSBB, CDR,

DePaulo Consulting, LLC.