There’s a story I heard recently that encapsulates a key challenge we face in today’s leadership culture, especially when it comes to the Generation Z mindset. It goes like this:
A young employee, eager to prove himself, believes he should be promoted without taking on the work necessary to demonstrate his capability. His boss, seeing an opportunity for growth, tells him, "I think you deserve a promotion, but first, let me give you a task. If you complete it, I’ll promote you." The young employee responds, "No, I think I should be promoted without needing to do the work. I’m special."
This scenario highlights a mindset that is becoming more common, especially among the younger generation—the feeling that they deserve things without necessarily earning them through effort. This sense of entitlement is, in part, a result of a shift in values where some in Generation Z believe that they should be treated differently, without the need to follow traditional work structures. The challenge for leaders today is: how do you address this expectation?
The Power Struggle: Coercion, Command, and Authority
When dealing with the modern workforce, there is a crucial distinction between authority and authoritarianism. Many people confuse the two, and this misunderstanding can be harmful, particularly in the context of leadership.
The Roman Empire exercised three types of power:
- Coercion: "Do this or else." This is a form of power based on fear.
- Command: "Do this because I said so." It’s authority given by position.
- Authority: This is the most elegant and enduring form of power. Authority isn’t about ordering others—it’s about earning respect through leadership and wisdom.
When you lead with authority, you’re not relying on fear or force. Instead, you gain the respect of others because they believe in your leadership and follow you because of who you are—not just because you say so.
This is the type of leadership that today’s companies, especially in the face of generational shifts, need to restore. Leaders who inspire and show integrity, who lead by example, are the ones who will build a loyal following. Authority, in this sense, is about having the wisdom and qualities that make others want to follow. It’s not about power for the sake of power. It’s about leading with purpose, setting an example, and inspiring others to become the best version of themselves.
Why Authority is Vital for Leadership
We’re seeing a crisis of authority today. This is clear in the way some younger generations—especially Generation Z—approach work and leadership. Many are used to a world where authority figures are questioned, or even rejected, often because of a misunderstanding of the role authority plays in achieving long-term success. They’ve been raised in environments where authority is seen as restrictive or even oppressive.
But the reality is, authority is essential to leadership. When done right, it allows leaders to guide their teams toward success and create environments where people can thrive. Without authority, leadership becomes unstable, and the impact of that instability can be felt in workplaces, schools, and beyond.
This is why it’s so important to differentiate between authoritarianism—which imposes control in a way that stifles growth—and authority, which is a form of leadership that encourages respect, growth, and progress.
Lessons from the Longest-Lasting Empires
Looking at the most successful and longest-lasting empires in history, one thing becomes clear: authority was a key ingredient to their longevity. Whether we look at the Carolingian Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, or the Byzantine Empire, all these civilizations thrived for hundreds—sometimes even a thousand—years. The longevity of these empires was not a result of mere force, but because their leaders understood the importance of authority.
In contrast, the United States, which has been around for just over two hundred years, is still a relatively young nation in comparison. It’s a stark reminder that the most successful organizations and empires understood the balance between strong leadership, authority, and the ability to adapt over time.
Building Authority in Today’s Workplace
So, how can we build this kind of leadership today? It’s about finding the balance. We need leaders who can:
- Lead by Example: Show the virtues of leadership through their actions, not just words.
- Inspire and Motivate: Authority isn’t about issuing orders; it’s about getting others to follow because they believe in your vision.
- Understand the Generation Gap: Today’s young employees, especially Gen Z, might not respond to traditional power structures. They need to see leadership as something earned, not commanded.
- Create Stability: Authority provides the foundation for stability. In an increasingly uncertain world, people crave structure and routine, and effective leadership provides that.
By embracing authority in this positive, empowering way, we can ensure that leadership becomes a force for good—both in organizations and in society at large.
The Importance of Order and Long-Term Thinking in Business
Entropy is a natural force in business. If you leave your company unchecked, it will decline. Just like a room left untended will get messy, without active maintenance, your company will deteriorate.
Lessons from Long-Lived Empires
The longest-lasting empires succeeded because they focused on education and passing down knowledge. Many businesses fail in the second generation due to a lack of proper training. Successful empires fought decay by addressing problems early, whether small or large, and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Combating Decline in Your Business
Don’t let things slide. If something’s wrong, act before it escalates. Discipline and attention to detail are key. A strong business isn’t just focused on short-term wins but thinks long-term, planning for years ahead.
Long-Term Thinking
Short-term thinking might bring quick results, but lasting success requires long-term planning. The most resilient businesses maintain order, educate their team, and think ahead. Without discipline and foresight, companies will always be vulnerable to decline.
In the end, businesses that focus on long-term growth and stability will thrive, just like the great empires of history.
Long-Term Vision and the Role of Leadership in Business Success
Some of the most ambitious projects in history, such as those blending engineering, medicine, and biology, are planning strategies that span centuries. These projects are not about quick fixes; they’re designed for a future reaching 2100, showcasing the power of long-term thinking. This level of foresight requires historical awareness, an understanding that leaders need to make sacrifices and remain present, guiding the company with vision and wisdom.
While it’s tempting to believe a leader should step back and let the company run on its own, the reality is different. The “owner’s eye” is not a myth. A leader must provide cultural presence and strong guidance, inspiring order and clarity. Employees need to understand their roles, what is expected of them, and how they can earn promotions. Leaders should reward those who seek more responsibility, not just those who complain. The decline of a company often happens when the leader stops holding people to high standards, forgetting the balance between caring for the team and pushing them to grow. True leadership lies in demanding excellence while showing love and respect for the people being led.
In many ways, leadership lessons can be found in the most basic human relationships, such as parenthood. The challenges of guiding and nurturing others, while setting boundaries and expectations, mirror the demands of leading a successful organization. A leader who understands this delicate balance creates a thriving environment where people grow, contribute, and take responsibility for their actions.
The Importance of Authority and Structure in Leadership
The dynamics of family life often reflect the challenges leaders face in business. Just like a father sacrifices for his family, balancing love and responsibility, a leader must strike the same balance. In a family, if the children were given the power to make all decisions, chaos would likely ensue. Without boundaries, the house would turn into a "sweet empire" where the rules were driven by short-term desires—pizza and candy every day, no discipline, no structure. Similarly, in a company, if every employee had a say in all decisions—salaries, goals, and direction—it could easily lead to confusion and stagnation.
Leadership requires a careful balance of authority and love, where respect for the leader is earned through clear direction and consistent values. Just as children need guidance to understand their roles in the family, employees need to know their boundaries and what is expected of them. Without this balance, things quickly spiral into disorder. A company, like a family, needs a leader who instills order, maintains structure, and nurtures the growth of the team. Too much democracy, where everyone gets a vote on everything, can undermine the foundation of what makes the organization work. It's the leader's job to guide, not to simply give in to popular demand.
