Fear is a cheat code.

We’re hardwired to respond to it.  If the fear is big enough, action will follow.

That’s what makes fear such a tempting tool for managers.  It will almost always get results in the short term. But the long term ramifications of management by fear are not so pretty.

Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear. ~ Albert Camus

Don’t get me wrong – people should have a certain amount of fear for rules and regulations.  For instance, you need to know that if you act unethically you might lose your job.

But in today’s corporate culture, a leader who relies on fear is doomed to mediocrity.

The principle of discretionary effort comes into play – if fear is the sole motivating factor, people will find the line where they can avoid “getting in trouble” and consistently perform at that level.  Without respect for their leader, why would they do any more than is necessary to end their terror?

People bristle at being forced to act out of fear.  “My way or the highway” only works for so long.  People may grudgingly comply, but they will be looking for that highway the whole time.

The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear. ~ Gandhi

Respect is different.  People who truly respect their managers will often give more than is required, and they will continue to do so for as long as the respect holds.  Fear has an expiration date; respect doesn’t.