The Power of the Weak
Power silences dissent. But uncontested decisions are weak. People nod when they disagree to put food on their table until organizational cupboards are bare. That’s what happened to Ford Motor Company a few years ago.
“The first rule in decision-making is that one does not make a decision unless there is disagreement.” Peter Drucker
The power of the weak:
The weak have power. The weak become like bawling toddlers in the candy aisle (after the person in charge says no). If they scream loud enough, they will get some sweets just to shut them up. In politics and business the weak disrupt.
Two years ago, the media was concerned the radical left would hogtie the President. More recently, brows are wrinkled over the radical right. Will the Speaker of the House be able to govern? The media lives for controversy. It isn’t concerned. If there isn’t a controversy one must be drummed up so we’ll tune in. Thank goodness for the disgruntled weak.
The power of the weak is their ability to mess up the agenda of the strong. They drag their feet until someone pays attention. If foot dragging doesn’t work, they scream. If screaming doesn’t work, they throw things. The strong will pay attention.
Power wants weakness to shut-up and eat broccoli. But the media wants the weak to speak up and I do too. Power makes people stupid.
Smart leaders invite dissent. They don’t silence it. They learn from it. It’s a mirage when people shut-up and do as they’re told. We are all stronger when the weak have a voice, even when they don’t get everything they want.
The 13 Principles of Disagreement
3 People to Throw Off the Team
How do leaders invite dissent without creating quagmire?
Ok. First of all, Happy New Year Dan. I am a big fan of Peter Drucker, but this is not the most intelligent quote of his. I remember on 9/11, I knew I had to get away from the Towers ASAP. I didn’t need some dissent to come to that conclusion. Second, you wrote, “Smart leaders invite dissent.” Well, seems that the “invitations” are flying, for the weaponization of power is silencing expression and freedom of speech is only for those who know how to alienate those that disagree with them. Smart leaders facilitate discussion, not dissent. We are living in a time where the tyranny of opinion empowers the evil, and intimidates and destroys the righteous. P.S. – Now this may be an expression of your genius – since with this post, YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED THE INVITATION OF DISSENT! The only difference is that if I dissent, you are not going to send the FBI to my house with a no knock warrant.
It seems we share a concern for the abuse of power. Discussion includes the right to disagree. Without disagreement, discussion is pablum. Notice how I skillfully shifted from dissent to disagreement.
If by tyranny of opinion, you refer to the right to not have your feelings hurt, we are on the same page. Or perhaps one of us should just eat our broccoli.
Actually what I mean by “tyranny of opinion” is the canceling of one opinion when it challenges or exposes the flaws of the other opinion. I remember the case study when a bunch of environmentalists were concerned over the emerging and dangerous weather patterns a long time ago. Yet there was this other man who didn’t interpret the weather conditions as due to the environment, but rather set out to build a barge, which ended up saving him and his family. He understood that the weather sometimes is determined by another whether… whether or not there is a flagrant violation of the laws of God. Did I tell you, I started this boat business, and am putting together a business plan. If you know of anyone interested in investing, please let me know.
We seem to be leaning much more toward demonizing the dissenters than respecting and utilizing them. It could be a lack of deep self-confidence. It could also be ego and a pure disrespect of anyone with a different opinion.