Leadership vs Authority
It is comforting for us to believe it is always the other person who is unreasonable or irrational. However, is this the case?
Research by notable author Robert Greene, e.g. The Laws of Human Nature and other publications, convincingly explains that we live on the surface of our emotions and often don’t understand what causes our anger, frustration, or behavioural outbursts.
We like to believe we are acting of our own free will, unaware of the influence of others and our own deeply ingrained personality traits.
Humans Dwell on our Fear
An unintentional link to the current COVID pandemic is that animals only fear in the moment but humans dwell on our fears, sometimes magnifying them to the point of creating persistent unhealthy anxiety, which leads to many stress related conditions.
Personal Bias Blinds us to Options
Personal bias can also lead us to irrational decisions and behaviour. Greene examples uncharacteristic anger or violence at heated political protests, where normally calm and polite people act strangely – driven by the emotions of the group. The next day they can’t explain why they did it!
Selective Sources of Information
With modern technology there are many sources of news, each constantly streaming narrow views of the same situation.
For example, the Prime Minister says the economy is in good shape to move forward and they have plan, and the opposition leaders says the economy is the worst it has been for decades and the current government is the cause. Who is correct depends upon your political leaning?
People tend to select their news source from the one that best matches their own opinions and beliefs.
Feeling Superior and Rational? – You’re not
Greene suggests if you are feeling superior and rational it is a good sign the irrational mind is at work.
The true spirit of conversation is bringing out the cleverness of others and listening and reflecting on their feelings and concerns. Not holding the floor with your views and opinions.
Leadership vs Authority
Increasingly, parents, teachers, business and political leaders don’t want to be the authority figure, as it is seen as old-fashioned and they think, if left alone, we will make the “right” decisions. But without clear guidance we risk future generations aimlessly using narrow sources of information for knowledge and feed-back, resulting in more dysfunctional behaviour and an unhappy society.
Good leaders have clear values and a strong sense of purpose which guides their decision making. We need leaders who are respected and will share their experience and knowledge.
Our only defence against Greene’s picture of irrational behaviour is awareness.
Our safety leadership training can provide your leaders with the right balance, guidance, and practical tools to build the safety culture you want. Call us on 03 8544 4300 or email for a free initial discussion.
