Kings & Pawns

 -Way too many people think that being in a leadership position means talking down to subordinates, yelling at them, dismissing their thoughts and down playing their contributions. I’ve seen this behavior many times. It’s especially prevalent in the music business. Many so-called CEO’s are infected with this “I’m The Big Dog, You’re the Lil’ Dog” mentality. These same leaders are shocked when their workers don’t really seem to be dedicated to the cause. These leaders don’t understand why there has to be that many motivational speeches in a single day. Back in those times of Kings, there were men who in the big picture were considered pawns. They were the soldiers. If you read books about that period, the soldiers always seemed ready to die for their king and country. One of the reasons for such die-hard loyalty was that the king understood that he should not ask his soldiers to do something he wouldn’t first demand of himself. Fact is; sometimes the king would join his men on the battlefield, even lead the battle.

Think of the subordinates at your organization as the soldiers (more so than the pawns). Soldiers who recognize that what’s important to him or her; recognition of the personal sacrifices made for the good of the whole; is noticed and appreciated by their leader.

Remember leaders, you need workers. If you want them to commit, or go the extra mile you have to treat them like you appreciate them being there.