Continuing through this summary of Robert Greene’s Laws of Human Nature.
The catch-phrase is: Make them want to follow you.
“In the world today, we humans have become more self-absorbed, more tribal and tenacious in holding on to our narrow agendas; we have become consumed by the barrage of information inundating us; we are even more fickle when it comes to leaders.”
While leadership styles change over time, one thing that remains the same is that people are always ambivalent about those in power. Leaders easily lose trust, and reputations hinge on their latest success or failure.
Strategies for Establishing Authority
‘Authority’ is the delicate art of creating the appearance of power, legitimacy, and fairness, while getting people to identify with you as a leader who is in their service. Having authority means people follow you willingly. They listen to your advice and follow your words. In your efforts to overcome people’s natural ambivalence or resistance, you must continuously seek ways to mobilize their willpower. These strategies aim to accomplish that.
1) Authenticity: Find Your Authority Style
Your authority style must flow naturally from your character and specific strengths. These are some common archetypes of authority- one of them will best suit you.
The Deliverer
The person that delivers people from evil- think Moses, or Martin Luther King Jr.
The Founder
They establish a new order in politics or business that diverges from the status quo.
The Visionary
He defies the norms.
The Healer
The one who can unify people.
The Teacher
Initiates action and can get people to learn from their mistakes.
2) Focus Outwardly: The Attitude
Humans are naturally selfish and concerned about themselves. Focus on how you can serve others. Learn to listen, and see your leadership as a position of responsibility, not a privilege.
3) The Vision: Cultivate the Third Eye
Individuals caught up in the moment are prone to overreact, panic, and see only a limited part of the situation in front of them. Develop your long term vision and don’t get caught up in the day-to-day drama of small, insignificant events.
4) The Tone: Lead from the Front
A leader needs to show everyone he is working as hard, if not harder, than they do. Setting the right tone is essential. To gain your approval, the others will want to rise up to your level.
5) Stir Conflicting Emotions: The Aura
People tend to be too predictable. In order to fit in and feel part of the group, they adopt a persona they think is pleasing and consistent with the group. As the leader, it’s important to establish an aura of mystery, mixing signals, and displaying qualities that seem inconsistent will cause people to think about you and pause before they try to categorize you.
6) Never Appear to Take, Always Appear to Give
The act of taking away something they assume they own- time, rights, or money, can create insecurity, and call into question your authority. Always be seen to give, never take from the group.
7) Rejuvenate Your Authority: Adaptability
Newer generations will inevitably become immune to your charm and aura. So adapt to the moods and epochs of the time.