We can resist enemies we can recognize and name. We've made progress fighting identified inequities based on race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, etc. The battles are far from over, but they have been joined and society's voice is clear
Recently, I've been coaching increasing numbers of leaders who have failed to recognize mutiny and, therefore, have not effectively defended themselves and their missions.
To read the rest of this article from the Denver Business Journal, see:
Recognize and Resist the First Signs of Mutiny
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/1998/04/13/smallb6.html
These leaders are being told that
- Taking charge is morally reprehensible elitism.
- Setting high standards and quotas, requiring professionalism, holding people accountable and not accepting excuses is too threatening.
- A hierarchical structure and promotion based on merit is dictatorial.
- Seeking success is selfish, undemocratic and damaging to themselves and their families.
The leaders I've coached are intense, hard-working, demanding and focused on success; they're not arrogant or abusive. But they are being told that there's something anti-social about their drive, standards and styles.
The primary purpose of leaders is not to be sweet; it's to get somewhere, to produce great results. The primary function of leaders is alignment of their own effort and the efforts of others.
Recognize mutiny in people who do not accept your authority, goals and standards and criticize you when you judge performance, hold people accountable, insist on personal responsibility, and don’t accept excuses or forgive temper tantrums. Recognize mutiny in people who use harassment, bullying and abuse.
These mutineers usually blame your style for their failure. Style is not more important than results. Results determine which style is appropriate.
If you're an employee told by other employees not to work so hard or produce so much, recognize that you're being lured into mutiny against your company and yourself.
If you're an employee with leadership drive and capability, don't stay where you're brutalized. Go where your talents are appreciated and you can flourish.
Leaders must be fanatics, demanding tremendous energy and effort, and rewarding go-getters. Leading is a great act of courage and daring. Don't let the enemies of that creative fire get away with mutiny.
The best way to overcome your hesitation and to learn effective leadership skills is to hire Dr. Ben for personalized coaching and organizational consulting.
Design and implement an anti-bullying plan that eliminates the high cost of low attitudes in your workplace. To get the help you need, call Ben at 1-877-828-5543.