Think for a minute about these persons: Taylor Swift, singer and advocate of artists’ rights; Nikola Tesla, inventor and engineer known for his contributions to electricity and magnetism; Stephen Hawking, physicist and cosmologist known for his theory of evolution by natural selection.
What might have these persons in common beyond the fact of being some good examples of human creativity and achievement? Probably not too much, with the exception that they were or are self-sufficient.
Let’s talk about “autarky.”
According to the Greek philosophy of stoicism, autarky refers to a state of self-sufficiency or independence, weather of an individual, an entity, or a country. Can autarky have a psychological basis that influences an individual’s behaviours and attitudes? Let’s see.
Self-Efficacy is the belief in one's ability to accomplish tasks and achieve goals. As exemplified by Tesla, individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to pursue self-sufficiency because they have confidence in their own capabilities. Autarky can be driven by a strong sense of self-efficacy.
Internal locus of control in individuals is the belief that they have control over their own lives and outcomes. Similar to Taylor Swift's journey, who overcame music executives to become an independent artist, this belief can motivate individuals to seek self-sufficiency and autonomy rather than relying on external factors.
Self-Determination refers to behaviours that improve an individual’s circumstances. Stephen Hawking lived with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for almost 55 years. Hawking's revolutionary work in theoretical physics is a remarkable example of self-determination. By the way, he did not like philosophy at all, so I am not sure if he would enjoy being an example of autarky, but the intention here is entirely respectful.
Most individuals who have experienced a process of coaching may agree that one of its strengths, in comparison to other personal development strategies, is its balance between promoting self-sufficiency and providing guidance and support when needed.
Their coaching facilitates their growth and development and helps them to become increasingly self-reliant as they progress towards their goals. In other words, coachees become autarky.
Is there any neural process in our brains taking place while we become autarky?
The reward system. Pursuing autarky may be driven by our brain's reward system. When we achieve self-sufficiency, we may experience a sense of accomplishment. Our brain's reward system, including the release of dopamine, may play a role in the reinforcement of behaviours related to autarky.
The stress response. When we feel stressed due to external factors, our brain's stress response system, including the release of cortisol, is activated. Pursuing self-sufficiency can be a coping mechanism to reduce stress by increasing one's perceived control over the situation and with reducing the release of cortisol and its negative consequences.
So, how can the concept of autarky be applied in the context of leadership and/or coaching?
Goal Setting. Encouraging teams or clients to take the lead in setting their own goals and objectives. This may promote their self-efficacy.
Accountability. Promote self-accountability by encouraging them to examine their own progress, track their achievements, and hold themselves responsible for their actions and outcomes. This may help them to develop their internal locus of control.
Building resilience. Help your team or clients develop resilience by teaching them how to cope with challenges and recover from setbacks without external intervention. This could foster their self-determination.
Conducting your coaching and leadership under the light and combination of stoic principles and science may be at some point resourceful and even fun. Just picture yourself along with stoic King Leonidas, and you will find out that between him and you there is a lot in common.