I’ve been thinking about this question since Jacqueline posed
it to the fellows during our Good Society Retreat. My gut told me then that one
should lead with love because fear just isn’t sustainable.
It has been abundantly clear through interactions with
various practitioners, entrepreneurs and thought leaders over the past few
months - how no one approach, no one technique or no one person will be the
silver bullet to the issues we face. This in my mind makes it absolutely
critical to encourage multiple views and honest feedback to enable real solutions.
New inventions, new information or new uprisings can
abruptly turn the tables. Those leading
with fear can suddenly find themselves being led. Fear survives on power that’s
acquired through punishment, through threats of pain and creating a sense of insecurity
or a loss of control. With constant fear, the freedom individuals have to
think, share, discuss, dream, experiment and explore begins to slowly diminish.
If people are afraid, they begin to prioritize their own well being above all
else, information is held back in fear of repercussions and individual
creativity eventually gets stifled.
Love on the other hand patiently allows leaders to listen
with an open mind to gain a real understanding. It creates trust that allows individuals
to learn from each other as they willingly share the mistakes that have been
made. Love permits us to take chances, to support
and encourage others to develop their own path no matter how unchartered it may
be. It is these unchartered paths full of obstacles that lead to real breakthroughs.
What is most striking though is that leadership through love
creates something that is sustainable beyond one person or one lifetime. The
teachings of Gandhi, MLK or Mandela are a testament. The inspiration they set
forth transcends nationality, gender, race, culture and generations. Leading with
love, enables the creation of a shared vision that can not only survive but
even flourish in the leaders’ absence. Something fear can’t create despite his
physical presence.
For us to flourish as a whole, we must strive to lead with
love.
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