Whereas this may seem like "ancient history", I am certain
that all of us have experienced, at one time or another, the bonding that takes
place in a group when we are all united against an authority figure who may
hold elements of our fate in their hands. Indeed, there are many, many managers
who, either consciously or unconsciously, adopt the leadership style of Quintus
Arrius. There are coaches in sports who
count on it. Strength and power flows
from hatred, just as Quintus Arrius notes.
Some leaders feel that so long as the team is performing, what does it
matter that they do so while hating the leadership? Hatred, therefore, to build on our discussion
in Chapter one, is an effective bonding mechanism. It is a unifying force. It will work in the short term almost every
time. As we go on, however, and talk
about energy, we will see how destructive hatred can be over time, both to the
led and to the leader.
Indeed, hatred is a powerful and effective bonding mechanism
for "terrorist" forces around the globe.
Hatred of Western cultural and military power is a wonderful recruiting
tool for extremists of every stripe. But
hatred, for all of its power, is not in the toolbox of the inspirational
leader. Nor is the style of the Roman
Consul the coaching to which we refer.
Quintus Arrius and those that rely on hatred do not value those they
lead. As a result, they do not maximize
the potential of the team. Coaching is
all about maximization of potential. As
we will discuss, the most powerful bonding mechanisms come from valuing people
by tapping into our inherent nobility of spirit. We will elaborate on what it means to ennoble
in chapter four.
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