Here is a variation of the \u201ctree falls in the forest\u201d question.\u00a0 In past insights, we\u2019ve looked at leadership skills, ways to enhance effectiveness, and how to develop creative ideas that motivate and propel your organization to greatness.\u00a0 Here is the ultimate question for a leader\u2026<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve heard the old saying that you can lead by fear or lead because people want to follow.\u00a0 And you can lead by example as well.\u00a0 Which works best in the long run?<\/p>\n
![\"outlierinnovators\"](\"https:\/\/berkonomics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/outlierinnovators.jpg\")
I know from observational and personal experience that in normal situations, a leader is a consensus\u2013builder, sure that everyone understands the mission and goal, and knows which duties each must assume to make it happen.\u00a0 There are times when this obviously isn\u2019t appropriate, such as in an emergency, financial or physical.\u00a0 Then your associates will expect strong, firm leadership as reassurance.<\/p>\n
[Email readers, continue here…]<\/em><\/span> Even in the military, the best leaders, no matter what the rank, lead by consensus and by example \u2013 except perhaps in battle. Those in any enterprise who lead by fear find that they may be effective in the short run and completely the opposite over time.\u00a0 Yes, there have been military dictators rising on occasion who did lead by fear.\u00a0 Most all lost their positions, their following, and some even their lives.<\/p>\n The object is to have people follow, willingly.\u00a0 Sometimes we call this \u201cservant leadership,\u201d the skill of subordinating yourself to the greater good, serving those who serve your customers or constituents.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a simple test.\u00a0 Do your people come up to you as you walk among them, or lower their heads, turn away, or find a way to look extra busy?\u00a0 Even if you think otherwise, if your constituents do any of these things other than look up or approach, you should identify this as an indication that you are a leader using fear.<\/p>\n It is never too late to change, even if it will take many interactions for your people to believe the impossible may have happened.\u00a0 And if you are the charismatic leader that people follow willingly, keep on doing what you are doing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Here is a variation of the \u201ctree falls in the forest\u201d question.\u00a0 In past insights, we\u2019ve looked at leadership skills, ways to enhance effectiveness, and how to develop creative ideas that motivate and propel your organization to greatness.\u00a0 Here is … Continue reading