Words

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Dependence actually looks like successful influence…at first. A large part of the population prefers not to think for themselves. Any person who tells a moving “I have the answer” story can usually build up a decent contingent of followers. But is that what you really want? Followers? In a hierarchical system and a predictable world the answer may be yes. However, in the real world, dependence on a “hero-leader” is disastrous. If you speak to a roomful of 400 people you want to inspire 400 creative ideas moving in the same direction, not 400 people asking “what do I do next?” Your stories will either focus your listeners on how smart you are or how smart they are.

A friend of mine who is a successful author, speaker, and seminar leader complains about how “people insist upon using the guru label with me.” Since influence requires good timing, I let it go. But I wanted to say, “Honey, if they are leaning too hard on your, you are probably inviting in in some way.” Anyone with a little charisma and a good story can encourage those susceptible to it to abdicate thinking. I see people fawning all over guru-types, in business, religion, politics, and the arts. And I watch the gurus preening themselves. Guruitis is very seductive. The danger of develping a cult of followers is that your success risks excluding the “thinking” public.

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