Confrontational Leadership

By Okello Okello

This is not to be confused with arrogance. What I simply mean by confrontational is the ability to oppose or challenge directly the action or authority of someone. I also should make it clear to you that personality contributes a lot when it comes to being a confrontational leader.

Even though most entrepreneurs shy away from this type of leadership, it can mostly benefit the organization if handled with care because there is a very fine line separating it from arrogance. While arrogance holds the intent of superiority and recklessness, confrontation has an intent to question the credibility of an action and how it is benefiting the entire organization.

In my daily life, I do not like confrontations of any kind but one of my business friends, a fellow school mate and an entrepreneur once taught me that it is never wrong to question what is wrong. The only way to bring change is when you highlight what is wrong. This is really difficult and can get messy if you are in partnership or dealing with colleagues who are older, of higher ranks, authoritative and intimidating.

Going by moral ethics and expected office etiquette, no wrong doing should be left unquestioned or else the person seeing it happen also lands himself in the same problem as the doer.  However, if you are confronting please make sure that you do it with;

1.Love

Your intention should be to correct the wrongs and be at the same understanding with the wrong doer on the does and don’ts of an organization. Before you speak you should remember these bible verse Proverbs 15:1-2, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ² The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”

2. Respect.

It does not cost any penny to pay respect however poor you can be. To be in a work environment, know that you are dealing with a fellow human being and do not put them on the spot where they can feel intimidated. Show respect and it will be shown back to you. It is a two blade sword or just remember that what goes around comes right back around.

3. Considerate.

Once a leader is marked with regards of feelings and needs of others, they can address any issue in the organization with a lot of care and no big problem can go unsolved. Human beings are social animals and just like any other animals, both domesticated and undomesticated, if cornered and can sense danger, all animals react the same and that is to be on the defense. Before they give in to power, they will always try to repel the attacks through anyway possible and this can cause injury and damage to an organization. A considerate leader is a good leader.

4. Wisdom.

I am talking about wisdom not knowledge or skills or any other forms of learned experiences. Wisdom can only come from God and a good leader is one who is anointed to serve with the help from above. Simple things as calling a person a side when you want to address a critical issue in a work environment is way better than shaming them in front of all their juniors or seniors. Seek Wisdom from above and so I say.

Not all leaders need to be confrontational, but just moderate what works for you and nurture it to serve you well. If you are going the confrontational way, then always remember not to cross the line between confrontation and arrogance.