Task Master vs Empathetic leader
In my corporate experience, I have observed two kinds of leaders - 1) A hard task master, very high on IQ but more often than not low on EQ and 2) High on EQ, above avg on IQ. I as a manager/ leader fall under 2) and usually get work done without authority but I do experience at times, some peers and reportees taking advantage of my behaviour
In my view, anecdotally I see type 1) leaders succeed more in corporates even if it comes at the cost of facing flak/hate from directs/indirects. One of my previous managers was unpopular for his toxicity but somehow I kind of built a decent bond with him. Once over drinks and dinner, he candidly told me, I'm not here in this organization for making friends and I'm here only to get results and he did deliver on results every year.
My question is, can type 2 leaders even climb up the ladder specially where cut throat competition exists. Sometimes I do feel I need to be more like type 1 leaders obviously not at the cost of toxicity - disrespect, shouting etc.
What are your thoughts?
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I completely agree with you. My manager was so so toxic that after some time, it became unbearable for me to survive in that environment even for a minute and I resigned. I have no doubts that the manager would be able to succeed in corporates. She is a corporate shark, knows how to get the work done by shouting at other team members, threatening them, and making them work for 17-18 hours a day. I, on the other hand, took stand for my juniors when I saw that they were working for very long hours. And because of this reason, I was forced to resign and I'm unemployed currently. During my break from work, I kept on analysing the situation, however, I have been unable to come up with a conclusion.
I have also seen such toxic people climbing up the ladder. And it often comes to my mind that how do the type 2 people survive and grow in corporates?
I am type 1 and I received very strong upward feedback from my team members. This year I role played as type 2. Barring a couple of team members every single person has taken advantage. Our customer satisfaction scores are severely impacted, multiple deadlines were missed. Being Type 2 only works when your team members are genuine and give equal importance to work and life
As an IC I can tell you are a great manager to work with. Are you an SDM by any chance?
This is such a great post!
Finally something really nice, deep and insightful in Grapevine! It compels us to think deeper and understood human behavior. Thanks for sharing bro.
You know, the problem with everything in India is with people. We people collectively are more or less bad. Plain bad.
We look for shortcuts and tricks to play on to save ourselves from hard things. Even at the cost of playing someone else, won't think twice before lying, scamming, use etc.
You do you bro. Whatever type you have fundamentally as a natural behaviour by birth, maintain that.
We can't change anything in the world. But we can atleast do our individual parts and stay true and fair to ourselves as well as the people we share our lives with.
I can't help you with gyaan on what you should do and why, but can only request you to stay true to your core nature. If it's type 1, stay like that. If it's type 2, then type 2. Dont change your core when none of the options are evil/harmful to others.
More power to you bro! All the very best! 🙌
Maafi for the typos ploxx 🙏
Well said bro! I have tried becoming type 1 leader for a brief period and honestly it just trumped my life principles where I did not feel satisfied or happy. Worse was the behaviour getting translated to personal life , eg: I once shouted at my househelp for taking 3 days leave without even informing me. Got to know that she had an medical emergency at home. I trusted her with this info and then felt a bit guilty about shouting on her. Anyway the conclusion I have made is and as some people have rightly called out is the skill to have a mix of both and use it basis people and situations. Easier said than done but that's what the goal is.
Purely based on personal opinion, have seen both type 1 & 2 reach high positions.
It purely depends on your bonding with your senior and how fast they rise.
As you grow, position become sparse and referrals are key.
So evaluate which senior person in your org will grow fast and start building rapport with them
Trust me if your leadership encourages ruthless mindless competition and gives a toxic environment there is no way you can bond with them . This is why many quit good companies because of toxic leaders. Like the author quoted , some are in the org to grow only themselves and make money not to build relationships.
In my experience, very few people are so white and black.
I am not talking about having friendship/ bonding. Very few people are lucky to have such bosses. It’s having a good working relationship where they trust you and you trust them. You don’t have to be drinking buddy outside the office.
I have seen people having good equation with toxic bosses (both in India and abroad) irrespective of how they are.
I think it largely depends upon your values - do you think subordinate as a mere number (a resource to achieve something) or a person.
I am the kind of person who can't neglect the human side of people and it has helped me get respect and form a bond with folks. Not sure it was any good but I know that I have done the right thing as per my ideology.
I have seen type 1 getting promotions etc but they are not respected as for them you are only a number. Their subordinate respect them only because they have appraisal stick in their hand.
However, don't compromise on quality or timelines so that you can also deliver impact and grow in organisation.
If you think someone is High IQ and Low EQ then maybe consider yourself as High EQ and Low IQ (calling yourself above average here, is Lake Wobegon effect)
All Software Leaders must be excellent coders by Elon Musk: https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1522609829553971200
Will check, thanks for sharing and I agree with you that irrespective of your role you need to be excellent in your work.
Being in the 2nd category myself, I completely understand your perspective. However, I make sure to be firm with people who try to take advantage. While this might sometimes seem like favoritism/partiality , I make up for it by explaining my actions to everyone involved.
Good one
"Power comes from the barrel of the gun".
Most of the top, like top 'top' brass, are smart, intelligent and selfish. Too many people trying to take your spot. People can and will do anything to step over you for their short and long term success. Spending your time helping them won't do you any good.
I think it's a prerequisite, being straight, shrewd and selfish to climb the corporate ladder.
But, these are my opinions.
Yes that's what has been lately my opinion also.
I am currently a lead with type 2 personality but similar to you I have seen been taken advantage of by my team hence I modified my approach when tackling any grievous mistakes done by my juniors. In those moments I become type 1 even though I might not like it.
It is important to let my team know that I have a set of expectations they must adhere to. You need to change your strategy depending on whom you are dealing with. I can negotiate hard or be really friendly.