An interesting article by Josiah Osgood on Forge:

In a reversal of the usual self-help formula, Suetonius’ depictions of Rome’s bad emperors become a guide for how you can be a good leader, whatever your role in life.

Julius Caesar refusing to stand to greet the Senators when they come bearing honors is a lesson in how to treat colleagues. Tiberius trying to win glory from a disastrous fire: a reminder that you shouldn’t always try to take credit for your accomplishments. Caligula brutalizing those around him, even forcing his father-in-law to cut his throat with a razor: brutalize, and you will be brutalized back. Nero meeting the threat of rebellion by loading his wagons with organs for the theaters and concubines with buzz cuts: your pet projects may fatally undermine you and your organization.

Read the whole thing.