Leadership: Oppressive or Inspired?

Some of the most monumental influences in our lives are the leaders we encounter, whether at school (the teacher or principal); at work (the boss); in religion, government, family, sports, and in any other social organization.

Our leaders create a strong atmosphere around them, for good or for ill. Their attitudes and outlook frequently dominate the context in which a group operates. Leaders often exert such a strong influence over our feelings and perceptions that we can virtually drown in their emanations.

I have enjoyed inspiring leaders and also suffered under oppressive bosses. Recently I woke up from dream vividly remembering how it felt to work for a brutal boss, “William”. I still recall the depression, the revulsion, and the anger in the pit of my stomach, although I haven’t seen William for more than a decade. Perhaps you have felt the same about some leader you have known.

I remember by contrast the pleasure of working with “Harry”, a senior executive who was continuously inspiring. Everywhere Harry traveled, he left behind waves of pleasantness, confidence, and optimism.

Both of these leaders were required to make tough decisions, however their fundamental attitudes towards life, people and leadership were as different as heaven and hell.

Oppressive leaders work to satisfy their own ego. Everyone who gets in their way is an obstacle to be removed. They are controlling, hierarchical, and money dominated. They are usually mean, stingy and impossible to please. They find fault no matter how excellent the work. They have poor ethics and a cynical mindset. They often have a very short term outlook.

Inspired leaders put people and the work to be done ahead of money. They are kind, generous and tolerant. While they hold people accountable for performance and can see through excuses and deception, they are not paranoid. They are visionary and creative in their leadership. They encourage constantly and stimulate passionate achievement. They are highly ethical and have a much longer term perspective.

Obviously, most leaders will fall somewhere between these two extremes of oppressive and inspiring. However, we hear lots of stories about both kinds.

Surprisingly, both types of leaders flourish and they sometimes appear to receive nearly equal acclaim. But in terms of the people they influence, they are worlds apart. The longer term impact of the inspiring leader is immensely beneficial, whereas oppressive leaders cause continuous harm.

We cannot always avoid working under oppressive leaders, but where we have a choice it is good to steer clear of them. When there is no option, it is better to take a positive attitude toward them rather than being drawn into hostility and conflict. Conversely, a chance to work for an inspiring leader should be grasped quickly.

Not everyone aspires to become a leader, but for those who do, beware! You could find yourself gradually becoming like the leaders you have disliked, because there may seem to be no other way to succeed without sacrificing your legitimate self-interest.

Indeed, an inspirational leader needs to sacrifice their own needs to help others. They will need to put their people first, ahead of immediate profits, efficiency, and popularity. Developing and nurturing your team is very hard work, but it pays off in the longer term.

To do that, we need to value each individual person, not just seeing them as an impersonal resource for organizational gain. We need to give up absolute control and share power and authority with our team. We need to share rewards and applause, not just to maximize our own.

Finally, inspired leadership requires enhanced vision and constant creativity. Leaders must welcome new ideas and stimulate new approaches. Our people count on us to find a way ahead despite the innumerable obstacles we inevitably face. It can be tempting in times of stress to demand more or to blame others, but doing that harms the team spirit.

Practice fairness and ethics. Leaders are expected to make choices on behalf of their entire organization, but not just to advance their narrow selfish interests. Our people sense when we follow consistent moral principles. They will trust us more and work harder to achieve our common goals.

Leaders who do these things will always inspire. People respond with heartfelt gratitude to great leaders. Success (defined as getting more money, power and fame) is not inevitable, no matter how cunning or ruthless we might become. Both oppressive and inspiring leaders seemingly succeed at times, and fail at other times. No one succeeds 100% of the time.

However, if success is defined by the lives we impact, the happiness we bestow, or in people nurtured, only one kind of leader can truly succeed.

Why not inspire?