Leadership Qualities that can be adopted from Cult Leadership
Leadership Qualities that can be adopted from Cult Leadership
The study of cults by vraious experts/ authors have established that there is almost at all times some form of coercive persuasion or mind control to recruit and maintain its followers, by suppressing their ability to reason, think critically and make choices in their own interest. It is also established that cult leaders possessive high intelligence quoientent, are smart and witty they have a persona that is highly impressive and charismatic. They are eloquent speakers and have good oratory talent. They can hold their followers attention and can lead them to do almost anything. Cult leaders easily with their charm demand the aboslotute loyalty and obedience from its disciples.
These are few findings I have realized existis in a Cult Leader, that can, if used positively help in the progressive functioning of an Organization for Contemporary Leaders.
Findings & Recommendations:
There is always a systematic pattern to the cult leadership, The leader begins with identifying who the followers are to be, it is found that at most times they appeal to people who are weak or minority. They identify with their needs, and awake in the followers through systematic and periodic talks to think as one family as belonging to each other, they try to establish an identity and spreads talks of mutual appreciation Then the second step is to revolt against a prevalent system or rule or policy, or even assert the groups ideology through outrageous or scandalous acts in order to receive reorganization. Thirdly they begin to justify these acts as a means to achieve a legitimate cause. So the whole agenda is of the oppressed and the oppressor. The leader knows that its strength lies in gathering more number of followers, the stronger your followership, the larger your bargaining power. Eventually the leader begins to be recognized in the social system and gains a high from the power he /she has over its followers as well as in society. It is during this phase the leaders personal agenda comes into play, he is no more functioning for the group but makes the group work for him and his personal ideology and most often it is found the cult leader begins to lose touch with reality and self he begins to consider him self as a Demi God. As in the example of the Jim Jones killings of 909 people.
1.Cult Leader
It is an established fact that for any relationship to flourish there is always a give and take. A mutual benefit transaction. Cult Leaders have an acute knack of addressing the need of its followers; it recognizes those needs and capitalizes on them to exert their influence over the followers. They offer solution. It may be a material need or emotional or political or religious one. They offer acceptance.
Contemporary Leader
This is a very good trait that a Leader of contemporary times should possess the qualities present in cult leadership could be used in the business world. The leader as in an organization should be in a position to understand and be tuned to the external environment of the organization, its competitors, legal and political setup, and the internal culture of the organization. Should have the knack to address and spot the issues prevailing in the organization recognize what is the call of the hour?
What is it the organization needs to progress, what is the employees in the given situation looking for to achieve, how to satisfy the employees so that the productivity is enhanced. Create a feeling of oneness, a whole, and a family as the organization; meet the needs of the employees without losing focus on the goals of the organization at large. Project and transcend a bonding between its employees and mission and goal of the organization. This would create a feeling of oneness among the followers and leaders in the organization working as a family towards the common goal of the organization.
2. Cult Leader
Cult Leaders always show their followers how things should be done through exemplary acts, they inspire confidence in their followers through systematic meetings and inspirational talks, they help the followers accept themselves for what they are they inspire them to accept and identify themselves as what they are, not to be apologetic about their weakness but to identify their strengths and work on them in a productive manner, but also to accept and live with their weakness.
Contemporary leader
Contemporary Leaders must and can very well implement this same policy in the functioning of an organization. Set up periodic meetings in the organization, encourage interaction between co-employees and management, set up an open discussion forum, address ones shortcomings failures without criticism, and offer corrective methods. At the same time recognize achievement show by appreciation in the open forum allow people to talk on their achievement. Secondly identify each employee strengths assign work or encourage them to do things that they have aptitude in or natural ease.
3. Cult Leader
Cult Leaders are always respected and command awe and respect from its followers, this is because they are inspirational in their talks, they show exude intelligence, at the same time there is an aura of being humble and one with its followers as being one among them, a person whom the followers can easily identify as being a part of the whole. There is no hierarchal division; there is accessibility to the leader at all times.
Contemporary Leader
The contemporary leader can use the same methodology, be a leader who knows the subject have knowledge and intelligence which will differentiate him from his employees at the same time like a smart cult leader, break the barriers between the leader employee relationship, make the employees of the organization feel that you are one of them and accessible to them with any concerns at any given point of time, that you are there to serve them and the organization, though you are the leader you are serving a higher purpose of your employees and organization. The USP is "be approachable."
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WHAT A CULT LEADER DOES BUT A CONTEMPORARY LEADER MAY NOT DO
Do not cross the line, Let not the respect and adulation of your fans or followers get to your head. Do not let the love and respect of your followers be translated to sense of power over them, and do not mistake to think of yourself because of that power as a Demi God. Don't confuse your Organizational goals with your Ego and personal goals. Cause the very Mantra/Principles you built your empire on, if used contradictly will be your undoing, as often witnessed in the case of cult groups and their eventual demise.
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