The world of today has drastically changed compared to 50, 100 and 1000 years ago. However, one factor that has never change is the importance of leadership. This is because people need leaders. Let’s explore why.
Before we get into the reason why leadership is so important and why people follow leaders, let me share some examples of people considered to be great leaders throughout history:
- Julius Caesar – (100–44 BC) was a Roman general and statesman. In the short time that he ruled the Roman world as dictator he proved himself to be a brilliant political and social reformer.
- Saint Joan of Arc (1412–1431), also known as the Maid of Orleans, is a national heroine in France. Joan of Arc was a peasant girl who inspired the French army to win a great victory against the English at Orleans. In 1920, centuries after her death, Joan was made a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
- Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) was a Baptist minister who became a leader of the civil rights movement in the USA in the 1950s and 1960s. He used methods of non-violent civil disobedience to fight for equal rights for African Americans. His powerful speeches spurred millions of people to protest against racial discrimination and poverty. In 1964 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) was a leader of the Indian nationalist movement against British rule, and an advocate of non-violent protest. Considered the “father” of India, Gandhi is a spiritual leader to Hindus—their Mahatma (“Great Soul”). His life and work had a huge influence in the fight against colonialism, racism and violence. He provided inspiration for the work of the black civil rights leaders in the United States, notably Martin Luther King, who also employed the strategies of non-violent direct action. His concern for the poor still has great relevance in today’s world.
The four examples above show that no matter what age, era or generation, there will be those who stand up to lead. And, no matter what colour, creed or origin, if people form a connection with those leaders, they will support them. People, throughout history, look to a leader to guide them, show them way and carry them forward. No matter what century, this has not changed.
Even in the modern world, people of the technological era adore and see people like, the late Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Bill Gates, as leaders of the new world. But why?
I’d like to bring you back to 1943 where a man named Abraham Maslow proposed his “theory of Human Motivation” in the journal of Psychological Review which he fully developed later in 1954. Maslow’s theory is still incredibly popular today as it provide one of the best frameworks for understanding what motivates people. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is shown in the pyramid below:
The pyramid explains that in order for a person to reach their highest level of motivation, they need to work through the levels, starting at the most fundamental need at the bottom and the need for transcendence at the top. The basic concept is that in order for a person to reach the top, they must first satisfy the level below. This theory, as described by Abulof, explains human nature.
So how does this apply to people and leaders? The needs of people change throughout their life as they move through the hierarchy of needs. However, most people are floating back and forth between their basic and psychological needs.
Now, let’s take the example of a political leader, Sarah, and a town of people who are at risk of losing their jobs because the company wants to move to another town for lower tax rates. The people will now be worrying about their basic needs which leads to stress, worry and fear. Along comes Sarah, political candidate, promising to reduce the tax rates for businesses to ensure they don’t leave. Sarah, will instantly form a connection with the town’s people as she is looking to protect their basic needs. The people, who were once fearful, are now filled with hope and look towards Sarah to make a positive change in their lives. Sarah has met the town’s people’s basic needs and part of their psychological needs.
Although, some people are not worried about their basic or psychological needs. Take for example Michael, a business owner, who recently sold his company for $20million at the age of 55. Michael does not need to worry or be afraid about not having a place to live, food to eat or his retirement. He also has a good relationship with his friends and family and feels as though he has accomplished a lot with his business. However, he still feels like something is missing. Michael eventually comes are a spiritual leaders book who’s words help him realise that he can do some good with the money he has made. He seeks out the spiritual leader and looks to him for advice, mentorship and guidance. This happens because the spiritual leader can help Michael achieve his self-fulfilment needs.
This is why people naturally look towards leaders. Leaders’ are accountable in helping people fulfil their needs and make a positive difference in their lives. This is why leaders are so important, at every level. From grassroots to family and friends to the world stage, leaders are crucial in helping people achieve their goals, growth and needs. To conclude with this article, I would like to reframe the question. I don’t believe the question should be, “why do people follow leaders?” Rather, “can you become a leader for someone else and make a positive difference in their lives?”
Thank you for reading, JT
References
- Q-Files. Available at: https://www.q-files.com/history/famous-leaders
- Maslow Hierarchy of Needs. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs
- Abulof, Uriel (2017-12-01). “Introduction: Why We Need Maslow in the Twenty-First Century”. Society. 54 (6): 508–509.