“The best way to persuade is with your ears.” Dean Rusk
I was reading a book recently about Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Commanding General of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War II and our 34th President of the United States. Ike, as he was commonly known, was a persuader. Indeed, he had power in both his military role and as President yet, he knew the value of persuasion and he used it well. It got me thinking about leadership in the modern organization and the application of power and or persuasion.
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, power is defined as “the possession of control, authority, or influence over others.” Ike did indeed have power over the allies, but he knew power alone would not be sufficient. He would need persuasion, especially dealing the non-military leaders of other nations such as Great Britain. He did not possess power over its leader, Winston Churchill but he would need Churchill’s support to do what needed to be done. He would need the support of the senior leaders under his command. He would gain their support through persuasion.
Merriam Webster defines persuade as, “to move by argument, entreaty, or expostulation to a belief, position, or course of action.” As President, Ike knew well the authorities of the branches of government, specifically the Executive and the Legislative and the power they wielded. He saw himself and Congress on an equal plain (as it was designed by the Founding Fathers), so he used his persuasive skill to influence congressional leaders toward solutions best suited for the country – not himself or his party. Ike’s application of leadership is one to study and emulate.
Today’s organizational leaders use both yet, I believe the art of persuasion, as in Ike’s era is still principal. Power, in my experience is easy. You are the boss and what you say goes. Order a person or team to do something and, because of your power it shall be done. Indeed, the power vested in you by nature of your position helps you accomplish what must be done. However, I believe people want more. A leader can direct activity for sure (power), however, if a leader wants his or her team to embrace what must be done and accomplish tasks with ownership and passion, persuasion is the way. Of course, that which is most effective is more difficult in execution. Here are my people-centric thoughts on persuasion…
