In this blog entry, I am going to briefly contrast the state-of-the-art leadership and life model vs. the obsolete paradigm.
A highly respected research study concluded that there are two broad-based leadership models that are widely accepted as today’s norms…in personal, family, business and other organizations. In my opinion, one of those is state-of-the-art and the other is an obsolete, archaic dinosaur.
That dinosaur is the: Authoritarian (Dictatorial) Model of Leadership. Authoritarian leaders lead from power, position, command and control. They are often arrogant, manipulative, abrasive, abusive, and obsessive micro-managers.
As a business consultant and mentor and coach to thousands of businesses and individual leaders, I have found the authoritarian style of leadership has many weaknesses. One of the biggest is dictatorial leaders often fail to make the main things the main things. Instead of making people and relationships their priorities, these leaders are primarily concerned with their own well-being…always looking out for #1.
Most followers will do as little as possible for these title-flashing, drill-sergeant types, but will leap over tall buildings and run through walls for a leader who practices the state-of-the-art paradigm of leadership.
To introduce that model, let me quote Bill Gates and then ask and answer a question. Mr. Gates said: Leaders are those who empower others.
Now that question…If we measure leadership success by number of followers, who would we all have to agree is hands down history’s greatest leader? Jesus is most often cited answer to that question.
Over 2000 years ago, Jesus introduced the state-of-the-art leadership model. It is commonly known as the servant model. It lacks the extremes and issues of the dictatorial approach. That is because servant leaders treat their followers as family. They do not distance themselves from followers. They make a concerted effort to stay connected to their followers.
Servant leaders don’t hide behind doors or titles but instead are available and approachable to mentor, coach and help their followers. They are always fully present in interfaces with followers. They are excellent listeners. When they speak, they are not harsh, abrasive or abusive…they are humble and gentle. Servant leaders encourage and reward input from their followers. They understand the power of discussion and collaboration and create an environment that facilitates those.
That’s it for today. Would you do me two favors. Share this blog entry with others . And to learn more about today’s topic and my books and coaching, mentoring and speaking services, visit my website…
http://www.Difference-Maker.net
About The Author
This post is an excerpt from Cecil O. Kemp Jr.’s 27th book titled: Follow The Leader (Secrets to Being a Genuinely DifferenceMaking Leader). If you would like a free copy of the manuscript of the entire book, e-mail him: cecil@cecilkemp.com.
Cecil’s best selling book, a parable, story-based book, 7 Laws of True Prosperity, and his other books are available here.
Cecil is a devoted husband, father and grandfather and an award-winning author, sought after motivational speaker, well-known life, business and financial coach, online radio show host and highly successful businessperson. In all those roles, he specializes in sharing how to rise to new and better ways of thinking that lead to superior results. His mission is inspiring youth and adults to become true DifferenceMakers…people who leave a positive imprint on every life they touch. Through his books, speaking, coaching and DifferenceMaker Clubs and DifferenceMaker Leadership Institute, his overarching goal is equipping and empowering youth and adults to live up to all their possibilities, achieve success that matters and live a life of genuine significance.