John C Maxell, an authority on leadership, describes leadership as the ability to influence others. I would respond by saying that the word influence has a negative connotation in our society, it can imply selfishness. When I examine Maxwell’s description I feel that it is important to clarify that the influence is for the benefit of all; the leader, the individual (or team) being lead, and the organization that they are all a part of.

The description that I prefer to use for leadership is the ability to inspire others to follow, for the benefit of all.

(The reason I prefer it may have something to do with the fact that I came up with it.)

To help get a better understanding, let’s take a look at the leadership strategies of an organization whose responsibilities go beyond delivering a project on time or making a profit; They make the difference between life and death.

Very few individuals would be surprised that the armed forces are interested in leadership. In battle, leaders on both sides give orders and they expect them to be carried out. If they are not, the results are usually disastrous. But how do you motivate someone to engage in battle, to shoot the enemy, or even to risk her/his own life? In the army, the answer is surprising; it is not the yelling, screaming, threatening, and punishing that most of us would expect. In fact, it is just the opposite. It is the continual training and proving through difficult situations and exercises that leads officers to earn the enlisted soldiers’ trust.
By contrast in some countries soldiers are lead through fear. Under it previous leadership, Iraq was such a country. Saddam Hussein engendered fear. If a soldier disobeyed an order in the Iraqi Army, swift and harsh punishment was delivered.

This leadership style works as long as the soldiers’ fear of their leaders is greater than the fear of their enemy. During the 1st Gulf War (Desert Storm) The moment that the fear of their enemies (the coalition forces) was greater, they laid down their weapons and surrendered.

If trust and respect is the best strategy for motivating people in battles and war, then isn’t it also the best choice for leading a team within an organization?

Demand respect and obedience through fear and intimidation and your “followers” will abandon you at the first opportunity. Prove to your “followers” your worthiness to lead and they will develop a deep loyalty and respect that will benefit them, you, and your team.