Some years ago, five other instructor candidates and I were being trained to teach a course on public speaking and human relations. As
grueling hours in lab classes began to take a toll, one candidate summed up session on leadership with following words: “It’s really very simple. Do you want to be a leader or do you want to be a jerk?”Many times I’ve thought about that question. We all know a few jerks. I expect I’ve been one a few times. However, in spite of fact there are plenty of men and women who are willing to wear titles (boss, owner, president, supervisor), and who are ready to give orders and issue mandates, there aren’t that many leaders. Yet benefits of being a leader, as opposed to a jerk, are dramatic.
In business it means fewer turnovers, less stress and less conflict. It also means increased customer satisfaction and increased productivity. In business, as well as in home, leadership produces a spirit of goodwill, and fosters cooperation. In view of such benefits, let’s examine three attitudinal differences between leaders and jerks.
TRUST BANK VS. BANKRUPT
Behind one of barber chairs in my 48-year old barbershop is a drop bin that at one time was used for dirty towels. It is now used as a drop for money collected from vending machines. It has become a type of bank into which regular deposits are made. However, as owner of shop, I’m also making deposits of another type – a type much more important, involving staff and customers. These are deposits into a trust bank.
It seems one of great tragedies of business is that jerks may have followers, though having little or nothing in a trust bank. Such folks possibly had a positive balance when they took role, but through large withdrawals became overdrawn.
Deposits, on other hand, include qualities such as integrity. Leaders need to be sort that if they say it’s going to rain, you can put tubs out. It’s going to rain! Also, true leaders are consistent, impartial and optimistic. And when they have problems, they tend to pass them up instead of down. Few things destroy confidence of followers more than jerks who always tell them their problems. Conversely, leaders confide in those above them in chain of authority, and never whine to followers.
ENTHUSIASM VS. EXCITEMENT
Leaders are also enthusiastic. Jerks, on other hand, have fits of excitement. From one day to next, their followers are never quite sure who is going to show up – Jekyll or Hyde.
Because enthusiasm is such a challenge to maintain and excitement so easy to experience, many have not even considered difference between two or value of one over other. Actually, excitement is kind of emotion we have at sports events. It is solely dependent upon circumstances. Enthusiasm, though, comes from within. It is inner desire, fervor or spirit.
