The Leadership ideology: An eco-political perspective

With all the great theories of leadership developed across the years, the majority of them explained leadership from either the dimension of skills, or the dimension of behavior.. And some tried to mix both and develop the will-skill matrix .. But have we thought about leadership before from an ideological dimension?

In the world of evolving economic and political challenges, the new word “Eco-Political” has been added to the dictionary, giving further emphasis to the involvement of economic and political factors .. How does this reflect on leadership in organizations? Are leaders in organizations taking an eco-political position? .. Let’s explore this together ..

1. The Communist Leader

Me, myself and I … I look at the mirror and I don’t see except myself, then a number of people working for me .. Their success is only because of my great strategy and great direction .. It was me who dreamt of the success .. Me who drew the map ..they only implemented my plans .. Every success in this organization is because of me, and even employees are happy just because I showed them the way and made them happy people .. Give me all what you’ve got, and it will be for the benefit of the organization which is bigger than all of us .. You should give .. give … give .. and I will decide what I can let you take ..

Doesn’t the text above describe a great number of organizational leaders today? Those who would like to take credit for every success, and throw the blame for any failure on others just because they are “Stupid” or were not able to implement their amazing direction?

Communism as a concept was built on the confiscation of all rights of people, except those given by leaders for people to practice .. And a great number of organizational leaders today practice leadership from a communist ideological perspective, even without knowing ..

2. The Socialist Leader

We do things together .. we will grow together .. laugh together and cry together .. The strong will help the weak, and the rich will give to the poor .. At times of appraisals, I will give everybody incentives as I want everyone to be happy .. I will award every single employee in the organization and I will give prizes to almost every one around ..

As much as this ideology appears appealing to people, since it is more of a kind approach towards individuals, it is the ultimate enemy, and strongest weapon to destroy potential .. How would you ask the strong to help the weak and then reward both? Helping each other is a good concept, but it should be based on “discretion” and not instructions and force ..

I have seen in many organizations socialist leaders .. those who ask the hard-working employees to even work harder, since they are reliable, giving them extra tasks more than anyone in the organization, while not compensating them for their extra efforts .. Actually on the other side, they do compensate the weak / less hard working employees, in many cases similarly or even more .. .. Have you seen the same?

Socialist leaders will pay “tips” to a great number of employees, while they will justify this as a “Thank You” gift, neglecting the effect of those “tips” on the psychology of high performing employees .. They will be initially loved … then perceived very unfair .. then they will repel all talents away from them eventually, and then be left alone .. or maybe with a number of loyal, but less skilled employees ..

3. The Capitalist Leader

We pay for performance .. We will have winners, and we will have losers .. we will develop people to be the best,  but if they don’t, we will fire them .. we don’t accept mid-level performance .. We will be fair, but firm .. In order for the team to be the best, we need to have the best people on board .. We will be together, and we will achieve together, and we will also kick out mediocre performers together ..

Capitalism as an ideology was built on rewarding innovation, performance and hard work .. where an office boy can become CEO if they work hard enough, and teach themselves new skills .. The concept is built on allowing everyone a fair chance to be the best, and clap for them when they achieve .. It is also built on “Survival for the fittest” concept, which includes getting rid of less skilled employees ..

As much as this concept appears harsh on employees, it has been proven to be the best approach for the majority of multinational organizations operating globally, where reward is linked to performance and the bottom 5-10% performing employees are asked to leave at the end of every year / 2 years maximum.

So who’s the best boss our of the 3 ideologies above?

While the majority of people will go for capitalist leaders, and I personally do agree with them, it is important to have an element of socialism involved, where leaders would judge their employees based on effort and results at the same time .. Employee might exert huge effort, but still not meet the results, and that should be taken in consideration..

So if we can install 80% Capitalism, and 20% Socialism in leaders, that should be the ultimate combination .. The mix between being fair 80% of the time, and merciful 20% of the time, without over-doing any of the two important dimensions ..

It is important for today’s leaders to reflect on their decisions and re-think their leadership ideology .. the history has shown how each ideology has grown / shrunk from an ecopolitical perspective .. this history is very much predictable when it comes to organizations, and for leaders looking forward to growing their organizations, it is crucial to learn from the past, reflect .. and change .. before it becomes too late ..

Written by:

Engagement Expert, International Speaker & Pragmatic researcher