The Gospel According to Gladwell: 3 Leadership Principles for Turbulent Times
(4 minute read)
“When people in authority want the rest of us to behave, it matters – first and foremost – how they behave….This is called the ‘principle of legitimacy,’” Malcolm Gladwell, David & Goliath
Gladwell writes concerning the principles of legitimacy that first, “The people who are asked to obey authority have to feel like they have a voice.” I recall a specific work situation where I and other colleagues had creative ideas. We knew how to improve things, and we cared about our work and each other…and leadership was not listening. There was no avenue or interest to be heard from those above.
Over time, this became demotivating and demoralizing. Top performers found new jobs, and quality and productivity suffered. And it became a miserable place to work. I did not stay long. They eventually went out of business due to declining profits and poor quality.
Second, laws or rules have “to be predictable.” If the rules, policies expectations of leadership are one thing today and something else tomorrow, how do we even know what success, loyalty or quality work look like? We are creatures of habit and our brains seek the comfort zone. Living on the edges or out of the comfort zone causes us to question ourselves and others. Eventually the culture is filled with anxiety, fear and lack of trust.
Third, leadership has to be fair. If one group is treated one way and another group differently…it all seems arbitrary at best, and at worst, prejudicial by giving preferences based on race, class, age, religion, sexual preference, or gender. The irony in this is that leadership always sets the tone/culture and most of the time never sees it. So they end up with a culture “by accident.” Or in some cases by intention…which is just downright stupid and evil.
Has any of this ever happened to you? Is this happening somewhere today? And what are the effects on people’s desire and motivation to be loyal, do quality work, or even want “to stay in the game?”
Most importantly is that when leaders abide by these three principles it will build a culture of pride, loyalty, trust and commitment. It instills a sense dedication, quality work, honest conversation. And leaders that don’t do this…it destroys the culture. It’s exhausting to live or work in any environment like this.
My advice and plea is that because you are in a leadership position (corporate, political, education, nonprofit, your home) that you: 1) Listen to the people around. Ensure that their opinions and concerns have a place to be heard, without fear of retribution. 2) Be consistent. There must be a reasonable expectation that the rules today will be the same tomorrow, so people (3rd graders, assembly line workers or citizens) know how to successful and part of the team. 3) Treat everyone fairly.
A strong caveat: If you wanted (I know you never would) but if you wanted to create a classroom, assembly line, church, homeless shelter, or country where people felt like they were coming apart at the seams, just violate all three of these principles regularly.
- Never listen. Assume you are always smarter than everyone else. Never admit your mistakes…ever. Assume that vulnerability is a sinful weakness.
- Change the rules regularly. Or better yet, don’t have any rules so no one can predict how to even be a good citizen.
- Create a class system that seems arbitrary. Or better yet, make the system filled with special treatment for insiders, and treat those who are disadvantaged, poor, a different color or sexual preference as if they were pariahs.
Remember, silence is the friend of tyranny. Don’t give up. You get to decide how you will live this day.
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Many thanks to Malcolm Gladwell and his book David and Goliath.
This blog shares perspectives on how you can create new story endings that are filled with meaning, power and hope. Brian Becker facilitates leadership and culture changing processes that help organizations achieve greater impact. He also provides leadership coaching to help executives and aspiring leaders become the fullest expression of who they’re intended to be. If you’re looking for coaching or consulting services, contact Brian here – briancarlbecker@gmail.com
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