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[From Impact, newsletter of the Ayn Rand Institute, August 2004]
Following is a sketch of some of the modules of the program, with the integrating theme of
each.
“Philosophy and Business” (2 days). Theme: Leaders need ideas about how the world
works. Topics include: why businessmen need philosophy; how the culture’s view of
business is shaped by philosophy; the productive role of business leaders as entrepreneurs
and managers; maximizing shareholder benefit; the need for principles and the
destructiveness of compromising principles. “Cognitive Methods in Business” (2 days). Theme: Leaders must think rationally in order
to make sound decisions. Topics include: the nature and basic methods of thought-
integration, differentiation, the role of fundamentals; the “managerial” relation between
man’s conscious mind and his subconscious; the objective nature of value; the nature of
emotions; adherence to reality using logic. “Successful Communication” (2 days). Theme: Leaders must communicate ideas with
impact. Topics include: why effective communication is crucial-with employees,
customers, the press, the public, and in decision-making; how objectivity applies to
communication; inspirational theory-the false view of writing and speaking; learning to
write, speak and argue persuasively. “Leadership Through Values and Virtues” (5 days). Theme: A successful leader is self-
made, not born. Topics include: justice-virtues as prescriptions for choices and actions; why
knowledge of virtues is important-to earn happiness, lead successfully and judge world
events and others’ actions; three mistakes-the sin of mercy, not rewarding the good and
punishing the good; rationality and reason; why productivity is not an 80-hour week;
independence; honesty; integrity. “Business in a Wider Context: History and Economics” (2 sessions of 2 days each). Theme:
Leaders must understand the right economic philosophy to analyze the global business
climate strategically. Topics include: the history and nature of capitalism and economics;
capitalism as moral and objective; fallacies about capitalism; the enemies of business; the
proper role of government.
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