By Steve Wodzinski, MS, MBA
Leadership of a battalion, a team, a committee, a small business, etc. is a challenging task. The "old school" leadership style is built on fear and blind obedience. General Patton exemplified this style, during World War II, when he stated his soldiers would not fear the Germans, but him instead. He hoped they would never stop fearing him. That's how he led his troops and why he earned the nickname, "old blood and guts", from his soldiers. Their blood and his guts.
"New school" leadership was demonstrated by Patton's superior, General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Although, they commanded troops during the same time period, Eisenhower's leadership style was ahead of his time. Ike stated, "I am not the desk-pounding type. I would rather try to understand a man and persuade him to go along, because once I have persuaded him, he will stick. If I scare him, he will stay just as long as he is scared, and then he is gone."
Eisenhower had an understanding of those around him. Today, we call that emotional intelligence. He motivated the U. S. troops in a positive way and convinced them his cause was one worth fighting for.
The days of "old school" leadership by "scare tactics" and blind obedience are over. Employees should be respected and trusted, until they prove otherwise. As the leader, one must seek to understand each of their employees to get them to perform at their highest level.
When the leader assigns a task, they should be prepared to explain why they are doing so. Patton might say, "all employees must start coming in on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm at half their regular pay." Then march out of the room to avoid any confrontations.
Eisenhower may make the same initial statement, then go on to explain that if the employees do this for five weeks, they will increase production significantly and be included in the profit sharing. The projected profits will far outweigh the half-pay they received on those five Saturdays.
When employees are told "why" and allowed to have their input, they are much more likely to be more productive. Employee relations built on mutual respect and trust ("new school") make a strong foundation from which small businesses can thrive and prosper.
