The Bully and the Underdog

 

Many times in life I wish to take on roles that are central or authoritative in context. These are the times where I want to be the actor the decision-maker and the choice maker.

At such times I do not like to listen to the other opinion that is floating around me. This is the location of total power and control over everything around me.

There are times when this trait is appreciated, cherished, and nurtured, and valued in the human clan. There are classes and training modules on how to be an effective leader and these traits sought for.

However, in each one of us, there is the weak, the mild, underdog who does not want to act or take charge. I am happy when I don’t have the liberty to act or make mistakes in my decision.

As an underdog, I only complain a crib about the oppression of the other world. But it is me who does not want to falter and take the risk of decision making.

However, these two entities may not exist separately in the outside world. Within me, there is a part that always wants to take the charge always wants to take control. And another part which is very happy when others are in charge.

Hence, it would be worthwhile to reflect on what are the situations that push me to act as a leader or the situations that push me to lose my sense of confidence and let others rule over me.

In each human being, this phenomenon may not be exactly equally prevalent. Some bullies have the greater tendency to be a leader and some underdogs have the greater tendency to be the underdog. But it is worthwhile reflecting oneself on what implications and what price do I pay either as the bully or the underdog.

Author:-Dr. Nayana Shah (Ph.D.)

           Director, Manthan

             Ahmedabad

Comments

  1. BinaAugust 31, 2021 at 11:50 PM

    I can understand your comments. The contradictions of life. I Wrote about some other contradictions today too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SudeshnaSeptember 1, 2021 at 1:38 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SudeshnaSeptember 1, 2021 at 1:40 AM

    Wonderful... I appreciate your range of topics brought under the scanner...

    Now a days the boundaries are disappearing... Leaders are situational. If the situation demands, then the same authoritarianism gets replaced by participation-ism.. inclusiveness, delegation and decentralization.

    Now a days, leaders inspire leadership generation across the programme...in multiple forms.. through multiple team members... using diverse approaches... no set norms-- focus in more on the task at hand--and especially in the VUCA world, this formless yet definite approach to leadership in action is creating great results.

    ReplyDelete

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