Tyrant

This is a ruler whose authority is seen as illegitimate. This would include people in businesses that have been improperly or inadvisably promoted. It might also be a new stepparent who is having difficulty securing the respect of her-or-his stepchildren. The Tyrant typically has difficulty making good decisions, as those she-or-he commands are reluctant to succumb to suggestion and resentful when issued direct orders. The Tyrant often feels she-or-he has no choice but to rule with an iron fist until the resistance of those ruled is broken.

Sadly, one reason this archetype is still too often invoked today is because it does tend to get things done in spite of its shamefully high cost. If one subscribes to the twisted dictum that the ends justify the means, coercion can really seem like the way to go.

In the long-term, however, tyranny is a complete disaster, never even remotely worth the considerable investment of energy and human anguish that it demands. While it’s true that good leadership often calls upon one to make difficult decisions and order others to do things that they do not like, the best leaders never need resort to coercion in order to motivate direct reports.

If you are dissatisfied with the dominance of this archetype in your life, you may find it necessary to resign your current leadership post for something more suiting your disposition. If resignation is not an option, then you must transform your method of leadership. It might help to start by giving more authority to trusted lieutenants in your organization. Decentralize decision-making and delegate. Admit leadership mistakes and frankly acknowledge gaps in knowledge and expertise. See yourself as a servant to those who report to you rather than the other way around. Eventually, you may see your tyranny bloom into a celebrated monarchy. Fortunately, leaders are made, not born.