Leading So People Will Follow

The Downside of Dogma

You can work on the clarity side of the passion equation by using the ideas and techniques discussed in Chapter Three for sharing your vision with clarity and confidence. But what about the “nondogmatic” part?

I’ve used the word dogmatic intentionally here. The dictionary defines it as “characterized by an authoritative, arrogant assertion of unproved and unprovable principles” and “given to the expression of opinions very strongly or positively, as if they were facts.” Dogmatism, in other words, is a tool that poor leaders use to try to shoehorn their passions into their followers. They do this first by implying, or stating outright, that any opposing point of view is wrong, as in the example I gave. Politicians in the ...