In a time, when autocratic leadership seems to be mushrooming throughout the world, even in the country many used to consider a reliable torch bearer of democracy, the topic of leadership has become one of utmost importance.
It is strongly linked to questions about what kind of society we want to live in, how should it be organized, what kind of political system should underlie it. The topic of leadership also encompasses questions of common values and ethics, human rights and responsibilities for the well-being of all people. It touches upon every aspect of human coexistence.
Some very basic first questions:
- Why do we have leaders?
- Do we actually need them?
- Can’t a group cooperate just fine without anyone specifically being in charge?
- Does every group have a leader (or a group of leaders), i.e. is leading and following a part of human nature?
- If we begin with a small family of parents and kids, does anyone have to ‘be the boss’?
- What about leadership in companies as examples of societal microcosms?
List of texts and videos related to leadership in companies:
Resources and links – Leadership in companies
Simon Sinek is one of the leading experts in the topic of leadership. His TED talk from 2010 Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action | TED Talk has been viewed almost 70m times. many related videos and interviews come up when you research him, e.g.
Why Middle Management is the Hardest Job | Simon Sinek
Alex Lyon’s has published many videos on leadership styles that he categorizes into three major ones: autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire.
Ricardo Semler’s TED talk offers a radically different approach to company leadership – https://www.ted.com/talks/ricardo_semler_how_to_run_a_company_with_almost_no_rules
TED-Ed: These companies with no CEO are thriving | TED Talk
Netflix text exerpts under Read Read Read | Pat’s Language Cabinet