One of the buzzword accusations I hear from "the left", especially
towards conservative political leaders (like Trump and that guy that's
running Hungary), is to call them "Authoritarians" as if they're ADOLF
HITLER or NAPOLEON or MUSSOLINI or STALIN (or similar).
But the fact is, being CONSERVATIVE is usually the OPPOSITE of an authoritarian.
So let me RETORT by describing for you the typical characteristics of an Authoritarian-style manager.
* ALL ABOUT HIM
The typical authoritarian manager makes EVERYTHING about HIM. He takes
things personally, often taking charge when it is not appropriate.
"Micro-management" is a key word here.
This person will, in his office and probably at home, inevitably display
an "I Love Me" wall (or 'shrine') showing off every major accomplishment
from toilet training to the latest pedigree, any societies a member of.
or magazines subscribed to, or photos of little league teams, and of
course, golf trophies. It will be MASSIVE, and maybe even INTIMIDATING.
The "I Love Me" wall is the typical sign of "The Authoritarian".
* SHIT ROLLS DOWN HILL
The authoritarian is quick to "rise" to the occasion. It does not mean
he steps up to lead, it means he STEPS UP HIGHER to ROLL SHIT DOWN HILL.
He will inevitably yell at his number two guy, and expect immediate compliance. He demands that you asks "how high" after you JUMP, not
before. In too many ways he is represented by a DRILL SERGEANT.
* BREATHE DOWN THEIR NECKS
Intimidation is his number one motivator. You CAN be fired, I AM
WATCHING YOU, "hovering" over you while you work, yotta yotta yotta.
TRUST is the opposite of what HE does.
* HIGH ATTRITION RATE AMONG EMPLOYEES
The Authoritarian is a PAIN IN THE ASS to work for. And he will have a
LOT of trouble retaining people. Sure, there may be an authoritarian in training ready as his number two, rolling the SAME SHIT down hill as he
waits for number one (his boss) to either retire or FUCK UP really bad
so that he can take over.
But with NO TRUST of his subordinates, the authoritarian must
micro-manage and do the work his employees should be doing instead of
THEM. This does nothing for improving the skills of those in his
charge, and seeing no room for advancement, they move on. That, and the STRESS.
Here is an article describing authoritarian leadership:
https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/leadership-skills-daily/how-an-authoritarian-leadership-style-blocks-effective-negotiation/
"Those who favor an authoritarian leadership style, also known as an
autocratic leadership style, tend to believe their approach to
management is more efficient and decisive than a more collaborative
leadership style. But because a top-down approach can heighten the power differential between leaders and those who report to them, it often
backfires, generating resentment and ill will among followers. In
particular, highlighting the role of leadership in negotiation, an authoritarian leadership style may cause leaders to miss out on
opportunities to reach mutually beneficial agreements, both inside their organization and beyond."
"Notably, an authoritarian leadership style is often at odds with best practices for leadership and negotiation. Consider that those who favor
an authoritarian style tend to be powerful leaders negotiating with less powerful parties. In their approach to negotiation and leadership, the
powerful often veer toward asserting their will"
(NOTE: I disagree with their assessment of Ron DeSantis - he is NOT an authoritarian, just as Trump and the Hungarian leader are not - nor was
Ronald Reagan)
Now think of Donald Trump, and how he manages things, and tell me what
HIS style is...
* Delegating authority to others (example, state governors)
* Trust in his subordinates (even to a fault - Fauci)
* Surrounding himself with qualified people, even if they disagree with him
* Focusing on the things that need to be done, and ignoring the things
that might make him look bad (even if he loses re-election over it)
* Being honest about his accomplishments, but NOT intimidating
* making it NOT all aboutr HIM, but "All about America" (make AMERICA
great again!)
Contrast this with DEMON-RATS and BITE-ME. (I'll leave the examples up
to the reader)
It may be difficult to find a governor or a U.S. President who does NOT
have a ginormous ego. However, what they do with that tells the story.
Reagan: delegator
Bush I and II: delegator
Trump: delegator
(even Bill Clinton was, to some extent, a delegator)
HOWEVER, OTHER DEMON-RATS were/are AUTHORITARIANS:
Lyndon Johnson: Authoritarian
Jimmy Carter: Authoritarian
Barack Obaka: Authoritarian
Joe Bite-Me: Authoritarian
(Do I need to list any more? DEMON-RAT SOCIALISTS are FUCKING TYRANTS!!!)
--
(aka 'Bombastic Bob' in case you wondered)
'Feeling with my fingers, and thinking with my brain' - me
'your story is so touching, but it sounds just like a lie'
"Straighten up and fly right"
--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)