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THE QUESTION
The Fear Factor
Successful leaders are admired, respected and trusted, but isn't the dirty little secret that they also need to be feared? Shouldn't lower-level officials, along with the rank in file, know there may be consequences for refusing to get with the program? In his relations with Congress and powerful interest groups, is President Obama too much carrot and not enough stick?
Posted by Ben Bradlee and Steve Pearlstein on August 17, 2009 10:22 AM
FROM THE PANEL
Raise Revenues First
How many successful CEOs can you name off the top of your head who weren't associated with massively increased revenues? It is the clearest sign for followers that you are succeeding as a leader.
Posted by Roger Martin, on August 24, 2009 8:34 AM
Be a Fear Fighter
At this point, President Obama should be fighting the public fear of health-care reform - not using fear to discipline his party.
Posted by Joanne B. Ciulla, on August 21, 2009 10:39 AM
Respect, Not Fear
Leaders need to be respected by people, who know that they will be held accountable for their results by their leaders.
Posted by Bill George, on August 20, 2009 6:33 AM
Finding the Right Sticks
Orchestrating the right incentives, both positive and negative, and holding people accountable for results, will allow President Obama to effect change we can all believe in.
Posted by Robert Goodwin, on August 19, 2009 11:59 AM
Wistful for W.'s Resolve
Whether or not you liked George W. Bush, you have to concede that he often showed resolve. You don't see a lot of resolve in President Obama when he speaks about policies.
Posted by Yash Gupta, on August 18, 2009 1:05 PM
Not If But When
Any new president faces that challenge of being at times loved and other times feared, this president is no different.
Posted by Andy Stern, on August 18, 2009 1:00 PM
Not a Dictatorship
Our president's role should not be to "punish" people who stand up for their own interests - or to threaten members of Congress.
Posted by Marshall Goldsmith, on August 18, 2009 12:56 PM
Fear of Failure
In American institutions -- whether government with President Obama, or business with the CEO -- fear of an individual doesn't instill that much fear.
Posted by Ken Adelman, on August 18, 2009 12:52 PM
'Rahm-ing' It Through
President Obama can resort to a Machiavellian '"stick" approach or he can attempt to educate or inspire the country to a different model of how to do business.
Posted by Howard Gardner, on August 18, 2009 12:44 PM
Silent Sabotage
One who bullies, is arbitrary, or otherwise instills fear, is more likely to breed failure than success and may well stir resentment that can lead to betrayal or silent sabotage.
Posted by Mickey Edwards, on August 18, 2009 12:40 PM
The Non-Existent Whip
Leadership at this level is persuasiveness in selling sound policy, not cracking a non-existent whip. And all the more so with the private sector.
Posted by Slade Gorton, on August 18, 2009 12:35 PM
Credibility, Not Threats
If President Obama demonstrates skill in getting his way and gains credibility as a leader to be reckoned with, fear won't be necessary.
Posted by Gen. Monty Meigs (Ret.), on August 18, 2009 12:14 PM
Utter Nonsense
We don't need mountains of research to understand this basic truth: We will work harder and more effectively for people we like. And we will like them in direct proportion to how they make us feel.
Posted by Barry Posner, on August 18, 2009 12:09 PM
The Political Disciplinarian
Everyone gets to save face when the trip to the proverbial woodshed is a private affair.
Posted by Ed Ruggero, on August 18, 2009 11:56 AM
Even Pickett's Charge
Even the men who died in combat at Gettysburg's horrific struggle were led into battle by leaders who used inspiration rather than intimidation.
Posted by Col. Charles D. Allen, on August 18, 2009 11:50 AM
No Place for Intimidation
I categorically reject the notion that the leader should be feared in addition to being admired, trusted and respected.
Posted by Col. Michael E. Haith (Ret.), on August 18, 2009 11:36 AM
Not in the Quiver
Fear won't work for this president at this this time because those Blue Dog Democrats and some Republicans are fearful but not of the president.
Posted by Warren Bennis, on August 18, 2009 10:30 AM
The Unripe Moment
The fear factor for many in Congress at this point is voter retribution not presidential retribution.
Posted by Kurt Schmoke, on August 18, 2009 10:24 AM
Negative Incentives Needed
The Obama team should now be at work charting what incentives, positive and negative, they can use with Democrats who are on the fence about voting for health-care reform
Posted by Michael Maccoby, on August 18, 2009 10:15 AM
Moving Past the 'Anti-Bush'
Consistency is a virtue for good management. Unpredictability is a virtue for successful leadership.
Posted by Marty Linsky, on August 18, 2009 10:05 AM
FEATURED COMMENTS
prokofiev85: Leadership was and is completely lacking, by the Senate, House, and the exceutive. It is rather obvious that there is an absence of legislat...
kevin210: Yes, absolutly. President Obama ran on a platform of uniting not dividing. Unfortunetly its not getting him far with the recent Health Refor...
vmonroe_valnesio: You know the Democrats have all the history of being strong on national defense, with FDR, Truman, JFK, Johnson and Clinton, who probably s...
