What makes someone a leader? Is it the title, the big office? The pay scale? What if it’s none of those things?
The Colonel said, “You are only a leader if others are willing to follow you, not because they have to, but because they choose to.”
Although he only lived to see the first three films of the now epic franchise, Dad loved everything Star Wars. He loved the example of the two Jedi enemies, Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi. You would think that, because of his size, he would identify with the imposing and ominous presence of Darth Vader, but not so. Dad wanted to be everyone’s Obi-Wan.
Lord Vader ruled (led) by fear and intimidation. When someone questioned or disappointed him, he took immediate, often violent, action to correct or remove the dissenter. If someone was promoted to a new position because his predecessor had been removed, they rarely felt very confident in their position! While this is fiction and I can’t imagine someone ruling an office with the same Vaderesque force (pun intended), there are enough examples in today’s society and politics that come close.
I have encountered many managers who endeavor to keep their team safely and quietly under their thumb. This management style quickly squelches anyone’s initiative to speak up, question procedures, or offer ideas.
Obi-Wan Kenobi, on the other hand, led with patience and by earning and giving respect. He encouraged but did not force. He believed in Luke Skywalker before Luke believed in himself while consistently and gently encouraging Luke to push his limits and expand his expectations. And, when the time came, Obi-Wan “took one for the team” in the most profound way possible, knowing that his strength was needed more in the cosmic realm than in the physical.
Sometimes, it may seem that leading with intimidation is an effective way to get results immediately. Managers who have reached a point of desperation will often resort to threats and intimidation to get what they believe is productivity. Unfortunately, if your team fears you, the last thing they are going to do is communicate openly with you. This can cause a breakdown in results and productivity, not to mention morale and longevity. Threats and intimidation may be a management style, but they are not a leadership style.
When you lead with patience and respect, you inspire your team to think for themselves, work together, communicate and achieve more. This creates a team where people come to work every day because they want to. They follow you because they trust you and choose to be led by you.
Read Lauren’s Whitepaper on The Nine Essentials of Significant Leadership.
