One of the worst qualities in a leader is their tendency to treat subordinates inferior to themselves. They flex their title in a narcissistic demeanor just to exhibit dominance while neglecting the significant damage it does to their reputation, connections and support. In my management career, I have probably come across one manager who treated his subordinates as equals. The rest fail to resist the temptation of dominating others when their position allows them to. I am going to point out several main reasons why you should treat everyone who is inferior to you, as an equal.
Resentment
More people are prone to resentment when they compare themselves from a inferior position, as opposed to an equal or a superior position. It doesn’t matter whether you are given the entitlement to manage and command others. Earning your position of power in a company, business or any kind of social environment does not insulate you from resentment. It can exist as soon as there’s a comparison of inferiority between two people. The details of who earned what does not change feelings.
There are two types of leaders; those who declare themselves as the boss, and those who silently lead through action. The former will always accumulate a group of resentful followers that will seek to undermine him in conniving ways. The declaration of your power demonstrated through your degrading commandment of others will put a countdown on your head. A countdown to be removed as a leader. It is worth mentioning that there is a cost when treating your inferiors equally. It gives rise to the prideful arrogant that mistake your respect as weakness. But discovering narcissists out in the open far outweighs resentment you breed in silence. Because with the former, you can act to eliminate. But with the latter, you won’t see them coming.
Leadership
“But treating others equally defeats the purpose of managers and hierarchies”. No. Not being able to manage and lead people effectively defeats the purpose of hierarchies. Your verbal rhetoric and treatment of others is no reflection of your capacity to lead effectively. In fact, it does more damage to your leadership. Saying what you act out or otherwise remaining silent is the most important trait a leader can learn. Read this ARTICLE for a full understanding of this quality.
You shouldn’t be afraid of downgrading your own position as a consequence of treating inferiors equally. Leadership cannot be transferred. If you are an effective leader, people will always look to your guidance and direction no matter how equally you treat them. Men who demonstrate their leadership through rhetorical depreciation of their inferiors reveal their insecurity that deep down, they are not good at leading. And consequently, they find themselves compensating by reminding subordinates that they are inferior to him.
Coalition
Have a read of this THREAD before continuing. This is a topic that most leaders neglect entirely. If you want to lead for a long period of time, you will need to create an inner circle outside those who follow you. This inner circle is made up of your most trusted and loyal followers. These kind of people are very difficult to find, and your character and how you treat others will play a significant role in its inception. Treat others equally, and you will be rewarded with loyalty. Treat them as subordinates, and you will become a target. The formation of your coalition is what preserves the longevity of your position in power. The quality of your coalition is determined on how you treat others.
Respected, feared & admired?
I wrote a thread on how every man needs to be feared and respected. You can find it HERE to have a read, and this post will extend it further with regards to being admired. Having people fear and respect you is great for you as a leader, but having them admire you is what really makes them stay. Respect is earned through your credibility; taking decisive action that leads to success. It’s where you provide value for nothing in return. Fear occurs when you command others effectively to do as you say or face consequences for letting everyone down. It’s your intolerance to complacency. Admiration will be determined on how you treat your subordinates while simultaneously aiming to generate respect and fear.
Paradox
Any position of power comes with the right to exercise methods that others cannot. These methods range from decisions that can benefit others, or choices that can harm them. They can come in the form of action or dialogue. The best leaders are paradoxical. They are given the capacity to depreciate others as a show of dominance and force, but choose not to. They are given the right to declare themselves as superior, but refrain from doing so. The best leaders occupy the paradox.
If you want to learn to become a leader, join the LOBBY
Unmodern Men
