I was reading an article the other day about how chimpanzees behave in the wild. Generally, the biggest and strongest chimp rules the group. But, when the chimp leader is only strong and dangerous, his leadership position does not last very long.
If the chimp leader lacks the ability to be good, he will eventually, literally be torn apart by two or three other weaker chimps that cooperate and gang up on him. Strength is important in leadership and so is being dangerous. But, he also must be good, if he wants his tenure to have any longevity.
The leader has to have the strength to lead as well as the ability and willingness to execute his mission and then deal out consequences when the mission goes off track. If he is not strong as well as dangerous, he will be a weak leader not only because he can’t enforce the rules, but he also lacks the capacity for morality. “Huh?” Morality, you might be asking.
Allow me to explain. A bunny rabbit cannot be moral because he is weak, cuddly and lacks the capacity for danger. After all, he’s just a bunny rabbit. A lion on the other hand can tear you limb from limb. But, when a lion, that can destroy you, doesn’t, he displays goodness. It is only by having the capacity for harm and then choosing not to, that a man can be moral.
Good, strong and dangerous is the key to leadership. You need all three to be effective.
The tyrant chimp in the above story lacked the goodness required in leadership, which is why he was violently removed from his position. A leader, who can’t see this, lacks understanding of the way things actually are.
It reminds me of a story that King Solomon told his son, “A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.[1]”
In today’s information age and generally peaceful work environments, physical strength and danger is not the commodity of exchange. Today we trade on information, understanding, competence and cooperation. Sure, physical strength, the power of money and threat of loss can be important tools. But they are only made effective by the wise and intentional use of a good leader.
Be as strong and as dangerous as you can, but don’t ever forget that goodness is what makes a great leader.
Be a lion not a bunny; then be a Simba or a Scar. What you decide is up to you.
[1] Proverbs 28:16
