Don't Be A Jerk Just Because You Can

I'm always amazed at what people in power do with that power. For example, here we are heading into an election year, and the thought of some of of these candidates running our country gives myself and others great pause. (We know who I'm talking about.) Who wants a bully at the helm running our nation? What people want and need is someone who has the power to be a true leader. That means what's needed in a President is compassion, empathy, strength, kindness, intelligence and so on. 

So what about the leaders you work for? Doesn't that hold true in the workplace, too? I sit across from  candidates on a daily basis, looking to make career moves and not always for the right reasons. More than half the folks I talk to have a lousy boss and lousy company leadership. It's hard for me to grasp, since part of why what I do is so wonderful, is the folks that we are led by,  and them understanding great leadership. I've heard stories over the years of folks that have just been beaten down just because the person doing the berating "can". And the benefit to the one doing the berating? Well, nothing, if you really boil it down. Maybe a momentary pleasure of being in charge and having people jumping at their demands? Maybe they had a lousy boss, therefore everyone else pays the price.? All I know is this, the saying you "catch more flies with honey" couldn't be truer. Fear does nothing in people but make them run. Or underperform. Or diminish their ability for greatness. The greatness that should make where they work amazing. It really has a trickle down effect.

So to all you great leaders and bosses out there! Bravo!! Thanks for making work a pleasure to come to daily. Thank you for inspiring and helping us lucky folks help you and you business be the best it can be. And to those who don't embrace the power of positivity, ask yourself why it's ok being a jerk? And you know what, I bet you won't find an answer.

Les Proctor

Working together, we can accomplish anything. We are better together.

9 年

In High School, we read Reason & Emotion by John Macmurray, a Scottish moral philosopher who was quite influential in the pre-WWII years. I remember how Mcmurray said it was important to teach and reinforce internal discipline if you really wanted to get things done... if you relied on external forces, like imposition of power, it would only work temporarily. Hence, in a corporate setting, the importance of culture, and celebrating values like initiative, self-direction, and risk taking. The tone's set by the the leader, and culture's what happens when she's away.

回复
Dr. Phyllis Parise

Professor - College of Business

9 年

I have certainly experienced this. :-) I am very thankful that I have a fantastic boss now.

Sean Cunningham

Executive Creative Director @ Sleek Machine | Creative&Technology

9 年

You're welcome! Haha but seriously, I see this a lot and am thankful that throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to have been led and mentored by some great people. I feel that if you have that experience you will in-turn become a great leader one day. I can name names and is some cases already have and they know who they are. But I can definitely see candidates wanting to be led by good people, so they can inspire the next generation of talent. I join you in saying thanks to the great leaders and bosses out there. And to the ones who really suck, connect with me on LinkedIn and I will tell you what's up. >:)

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