Leading Winning Teams

1424/7 Leadership

LEADERSHIP HAS CHANGED. I grew up at the tail end of the autocratic and authoritarian era of the Cold War and 1970s. Is it better? Is it worse? I'm not sure. And I don't think I'm qualified to make the assessment. I could debate both sides, and I would love to hear that argument sometime.

In the past, leaders were often quick to wield perceived power over others due to their position of authority or their title. This was common with teachers, coaches, music instructors, parents, and organizational leaders. Where it seemed a little less was our government leaders, who were likely afraid of being perceived as anything resembling their foreign counterparts, like Mussolini, Castro, and others.

Instead, a dictatorship often exists in micro ecosystems, like our homes, work teams, classes, private organizations, and youth sports. The leader sometimes leads with an all-knowing authoritarian style and barking orders despite modeling the behavior or having any semblance of self-awareness. “Do as I say, not as I do” is a common theme of the authoritarian style. And people may hold contempt for that attitude, but they align reluctantly.

People generally no longer align with this style of leadership. Higher standards have been set, with leaders who demand a lot of themselves and their team members, but build alignment with values, missions, and self-awareness. In other words, they “talk the talk, and walk the walk.” People tend to find respect and admiration for leaders ...