Poor Leaders Love a Climate of Fear

To be clear: true leaders do not love a climate of fear. Poor leaders do. Doesn't matter if they manage politics or industries.

And that is what they do: manage. They do not lead.

Poor managers and politicians are convinced that you will listen to them if you fear them or their power. They think they must construct an extra-corporational enemy or menace.

True leaders care for their people. They do all they can, to keep their people from harm. They do it quietly as not to create fear by their talking.

True leaders act. They do not talk. True leaders know what to do - and what to talk about in public. And they talk after acting. Because they know that talking about coming threats creates feelings of fear and aggression, and talking about mastered threats creates feelings of relief, gratefulness, and safety.

True leaders are humble enough to act on that philosophy and put their people first. Successful leaders in successful organizations create cultures of trust, teams, and collaboration ... create cultures of diversity, openness, and tranparency.

Successful leaders treat people like they themselves would like to be treated. With respect. As individuals. At eye level. Empathic.

Addendum

And now imagine a crisis! A real threat! That above manager will be the first to collapse, cry for help and run for his life - or bonus.