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The question - what is the best type of leader manager?
The answer - it depends on the type of employees you have.
Motivation is a fairly common strategy managers utilize in order to make employees work harder and perform better. And while there are different types of motivators, a lot of people tend to agree on one thing and that's NOT to use fear as a motivating factor.
Using fear as a motivator, however, is not as merciless or evil as it's generally painted. There are some instances and some personalities that are simply better able to cope with their jobs if fear is indeed used as a motivator.
When You Should Use Fear
Fear as a motivating factor may be used to catch people's attention the first time around. Let's say you're new to the company and your team is composed of stubborn and unruly employees (most of the time, they are stubborn and unruly because they are testing you).
In this case, it's quite understandable if you use fear to force them to pay attention to your rules. Only when they fully understand that you mean business can you afford to be lenient and more approachable.
If you've watched a couple of sports-themed movies, you've probably noticed how coaches tend to bully their players into doing something they're reluctant to do.
In this case, using fear as a motivator is acceptable since the coach is only pushing his team to do something for their own good. In the business world, assuming you are a great 'reader' of personalities, you can spot an employee that may be too laid back. Using fear as a motivator in this case such as telling him that he may be bypassed for the next promotion if he does not step up with great results on the project may be just what that employee needs to make him REALLY focus on his work.
The word 'fear' may mean something negative but really, used well, it produces the same effect as 'urgency'. For example, in online marketing , sales letter gurus always say that there should always be a tone of urgency to prompt buyers to action such as "50% less only until midnight tonight"! In a small business environment, you can also use this style. For example, say that if the project team does not meet the weekly quota by Friday, then this may mean forced leave the following week.
Just remember this - you should only exercise your right to use fear as a motivator only when the situation calls for it. Doing otherwise can bring a lot of repercussions like having a resentful workforce or... an overblown ego.
Action Steps to Start Using Fear as a Motivator
- Define the problem first. What is not being accomplished and why? What is wrong with your staff that you are thinking of using fear as a motivator?
- Move your focus to your employees. Will fear really motivate them or will it provoke more problems?
Important Points Before You Use Fear as a Motivator
- Using fear as a motivator can backfire so ensure you use it only if it is the method that will produce the BEST results.
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