It would be difficult for followers to follow their leaders if all they did was move their mouths. Shackleton knew this very well and demonstrated what needed to be done as well as explaining it in words. ''Action is louder than words.'' I believe that this is something we should all keep in mind whether or not we become a leader in the future.
Most of us prefer not to be told what to do. Whether it be our parents, teachers, or bosses, it certainly isn't a pleasant thing. I remember a class leader in elementary school who used to always shout "Clean the classroom properly!" Everyone would do so hesitantly while wondering why she herself wouldn't "clean the classroom properly." She was the teacher's pet but obviously not a wonderful leader we all respected. After reading chapter 2 and recalling my experience during elementary school, I reconfirmed that real leaders aren't the ones who just stand there waiting for their followers to act. Real leaders are those who are willing to move themselves too. (wow, I can't believe I just went on and repeated what the author was talking about. haha.)
However, some people still believe in leaders who demand things and point fingers sitting in their chairs. Leaders who remind me of the "old Japanese oyaji." These old Japanese oyaji leaders remain in some of the top companies of Japan as well as in the family and neighborhood. They tend to have a big room followed by a big desk and chair. They come to work later than their followers, and often misunderstand that they have control over them. The word "bossy" fits them the most. But a lot of followers have decided to follow them despite their nasty character. I think it is the Japanese tradition and culture of respecting your boss that makes them follow their leaders. They were brought up to believe that bosses are bosses and that obeying their orders was their duty.
It certainly isn't easy to change a country's tradition/ culture or a person's discipline. They've been there long before they were even born. They see it as a normal thing even though they may have complaints within themselves. And therefore, some are still stuck with their bossy leaders and a lot of stress.
Although it probably will not work with the Japanese tradition and culture, I was wondering what would happen if some old Japanese oyaji leaders read the book. I guess they wouldn't change a fraction of their leadership, but it might be interesting to know what they think of it...
Yes, "Action is louder than words." This is another of the great quotations from the book that I hope will stick. As for the "old Japanese oyaji" and what he might think of the book, I am very curious about that. We'll have to ask Hibiya-sensei and Mr. Kitashiro.
ReplyDeleteI think the `old oyaji' being the leader is changing slowly. With globalisation, the need for companies to compete internationally and the global recession, I don`t think that such leasers can be accepted as the top of a group anymore. Though like you said it is hard for traditions and culture to change, I think slowly there is a demand for more radical leaders, leaders who can actually make a difference. Eventually those`old Japanese oyajis` are going to fade a way, and we will have to be in position of being a leader. This time let`s hope that we are well prepared worthy leaders:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Natsuko:) Yeah, I think you have a point. Although very slowly, things are changing also in Japan. I think we followers need to be prepared as well as the leaders! So let's hope things change by the time we become leaders or followers in a company:)
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