Are you ready for a quiz?
What do these men have in common?
- Adolf Hitler
- Joseph Stalin
- Benito Mussolini
- Suddam Hussein
- Muammar Gaddafi
- Idi Amin
- Francisco Franco
- Manuel Noriega
If you responded “They are all dictators” you are correct!
“A dictator is a leader who holds absolute authority and an extraordinary degree of personal power. They have the power to make laws, suspend elections, proclaim a state of emergency and repress political opponents without following any lawful procedures. The form of government with a dictator as the leader is known as dictatorship and there are no effective constitutional remedies to limit his power.” (https://www.thefamouspeople.com/dictators.php, 6.28.18)
These dictators, as well as many others, made history by ruthlessly ignoring governmental systems, processes and policies. Each of them enacted a plan to meet his personal agenda without regard for other people. Each exhibits narcissistic, sociopathic and/or psychopathological personalities which suggests not only a disregard for other people, but a satisfaction, and for some even pleasure, at the pain of others.
Dictators are opportunists. They can recognize chinks in the system and exploit them. They find a character flaw in a leader and manipulate him or her with innuendo. They discover ways of questioning the character and ability of the leader through innuendo and half-truths. Once they have discredited the existing leaders and have convinced a contingent of supporters, their power becomes absolute.
What do dictators have to do with the workplace?
Bullies also disregard established systems, processes, and policies. They gather allies who are easily convinced to enforce the bully’s power by overlooking the system, processes and policies designed to protect the institution and the individuals working there. They spread gossip and innuendo to discredit respected co-workers. They convince supervisors of the urgency to correct the co-worker outside the process. They gather a group of supporters who align out of fear of the same treatment or out of ignorance. The bully’s power becomes absolute.
Governmental checks and balances are designed to protect the rights of the individuals while allowing changes that align with the government’s constitution. As an example, the United States government has three branches: legislative, judicial and executive. Each branch has its duties and is responsible to the other two branches to ensure that systems, processes and policies are followed. The system is designed to support the greatest number of people.
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Corruption exists in organizations without a system of checks and balances that require accountability to a common goal. When any individual acts and decides independent of the agreed upon process or without a consensus of the group, corruption grows.
Protect Your Workplace
Follow the systems, processes and policies that are outlined in the employee handbook. Insist that others follow them. In urgent situations demand that a representative group arrive at a solution by consensus. Consider whether comments or stories about others are true based on your experience. Speak up when you hear a lie.
Don’t give a bully the opportunity to take over your workplace!
ABOUT DR. BETH PLACHETKA, LCSW
THERAPIST FOR ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS
As a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, speaker, adjunct professor in the School of Social Work at Aurora University and president of Safe Harbor Counseling in Sugar Grove, Illinois, Beth Plachetka, EdD, LCSW, MSW, MAEL brings 40 years of experience helping individuals, families and groups address and resolve psychological, social and interpersonal issues.
Dr. Beth’s expertise in assessing and strengthening relationships is applied in private practice counseling, school social work, teaching, and speaking engagements. As a therapist, Dr. Beth works closely with her clients to help them evaluate their progress and re-chart their course, so they can learn strategies, build confidence and identify support systems to gain the strength and confidence required for lasting change. Contact Dr. Beth for counseling.
SPEAKER FOR ORGANIZATIONS
For organizations to succeed and thrive, strong workplace relationships must be respectful, collaborative and in line with the mission and goals. If professional relationships are poor, it leaves a negative impact on the organization and customers suffer.
Beth’s knowledge of the importance of relationships at work is supported by her dissertation that focuses on adult bullying in the school setting and by earning her doctorate in curriculum and instruction. Her deep practical knowledge to identify and realign workplace relationships in educational systems and faith institutions provides her with the expertise required to improve team productivity and professional relationships.
Presenting on a variety of topics related to bullying and mental health, Beth uses humor as well as effective and practical strategies to improve workplace culture, counteract the devastation of bullying and mitigate the symptoms that result from workplace bullying. Beth’s presentations reflect her years of experience as a teacher with clearly stated objectives, outcomes, activities and interactions that both inspire and educate. Contact Dr. Beth to speak at your next event.
With licenses and certificates in elementary education, school social work, clinical social work and educational leadership, her family fondly (at least she hopes it’s fondly) refers to her as “certifiable.”