Executive Eye
Gibt es eine sanftere Version des von sich selbst überzeugten, machthungrigen und schikanierenden Alpha-männchens? Ja, das Beta-männchen. Doch lesen Sie selbst.
Adrian Furnham on alpha and beta male leaders
The alpha male is the testosteronefilled, “dick-swinging” king of the jungle. He — and, by definition, it’s always a “he” — is aggressive, competitive and ruthless. Master of all under him, he owns the big car, the big budget and a big ego. Life around alpha males is about power and politics. It is about being bossed and bullied. He causes stress and distress. When the alpha male appears, all bend in submission.
The alpha male uses size and power to discourage others from challenging his status. He is always ready for a fight, and needs testosterone to react to sudden and unexpected threats. His need for power often overrides his decision-making ability. He does not know when to admit defeat; “reconcile” and “compromise” are not in the alpha male’s vocabulary.
Alpha males are experts in the Machiavellian methods of persuasion, using charm and promises to manipulate. Their energy, determination and almost pathological ambition ensure that they get their way. But they can also be revengeful and resentful. The democratic world of an organized work environment is nothing for them! Alpha males thrive best in an unregulated business world, where others are easily dominated.
There are various types of alpha-male leaders. Some are natural leaders who appear confident, decisive and strong. But good leaders know they must earn respect
and keep earning it. The alpha male sees criticism as a threat. The result can be poor decision-making and a less confident organization.
Then there are the alpha males who are visionary leaders. They inspire people through their massively confident — if simplistic — visions of the future. They are great spin doctors.
Other alpha leaders are strong on strategy. But this is not the deeply analytic work of a good strategic thinker. This is the “I know best” strategy. Finally, there are the driven leaders with seemingly unlimited energy. These set an incredible pace, exhausting their followers.
But there is a better version of the alpha male — the “beta leader”, with a bigger brain but smaller balls. One with less of a killer instinct and more killer questions — with less hubris and more humility.
Beta leaders can do both the head and the heart stuff. They use social and cognitive intelligence not only to charm and persuade, but also to lead. The beta male is the gentle giant, not the roaring giant.