The Couch of Restitution, Jim Jones, & The Problems with Blind Followership

What happens when leaders use expertise to make others feel powerless?

People end up on the Couch of Restitution, that’s what happens.

What happens when leaders use “motivation” to stifle free thought and coerce “followership?”

People drink the leader’s Kool Aid, that’s what happens.

Being human is a funny thing. It comes with the option of living a life of free will, and also the option of living a life of destiny. In the former case, we assume the power to live our own lives. In the latter, we give that power to others.

Now this shouldn’t be a surprise, but when we relinquish power over our lives, the people most willing to take over may not necessarily be the people most interested in our own well being.

Think about it: would someone who wants to see you grow and flourish want the power to tell you exactly what you can or can’t do? Or would they maybe want to give you the space to chart your own path and make your own mistakes?

Leaders worth following let you ask the tough questions.

If you are in an organization that makes you feel powerless to challenge the party line, express doubt, or offer alternatives, get out.

If you see a stable organization whose forward progress seems hampered by members who are often frustrated because they are constantly debating the best next step to take, get in.

Debate and dissension (coupled with action) is a sign of confident leadership.

Principles that are presented as beyond reproach are the hallmarks of leaders who have their own agenda for you… be it as big as Jonestown or as small as the Couch of Restitution.

The punchline? Mankind was given the ability to reason. And though there is no natural law commanding us to use that ability, neither is there any natural law commanding us to give it up.

Follow with caution.

Jason Seiden is Co-founder and CEO of Ajax Social Media, a training company that shows professionals how use social media to work more effectively.