“You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot help small men by tearing down big men. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot lift the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer. You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot establish security on borrowed money. You cannot build character and courage by taking away men’s initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” – Abraham Lincoln
The Leadership Insight
Leaders can fall into the trap of seeing themselves as parents to their followers. In this leadership style leaders see themselves as responsible to care for their followers, who are limited in their ability to help and care for themselves. So leaders step in and provide strong guidance and control, to keep their constituents safe and protected, because “father knows best”. This leadership style causes followers take up the role of children, resulting in unhealthy compliance, a lack of individual motivation and initiative from followers.
As leaders we need to see people as being capable, skilled with initiative and independent. As leaders it’s our role to create an environment that unlocks their potential, empowers and enables them to act. The highest calling of leadership is the development of others, developing follower into leaders. Leaders cannot treat their followers as children and expect them to grow. As Abraham Lincoln said “You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.”
Action Point: Do you have a parental leadership style? Have you created an environment that encourages initiative? Are you teaching and developing followers so they become leaders? Set aside time dedicated to growing and developing people who show potential.
Technorati Tags: Leadership, Management, Motivation, Business, Quote
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