Recently in class, we read The Prince by Machiavelli. It was published in 1513, as a sort of instruction guide to leaders in the court. Despite its age, this literature can give even young leaders today powerful insight into how to be an efficient leader.I have asked myself this question many times:
"Is it better to be loved or feared as a leader?"
When I am with a group of my friends and we need to get something done, often I don't want to be feared in the moment, but sometimes it seems like the only way. It is difficult to find a balance, especially among friends, of kindness and harshness. When is it okay to be cold, and when should you let things slide. It is a test of strictness.
However, look no further than 499 years ago with Machiavelli's wisdom. He was a diplomat to the Republic of Florence in Italy. The Prince has many parts, but the section "Concerning Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether it is Better to be Loved than Feared" will answer our question:
"Upon this a question arises: whether it is better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you successed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life, and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you. And that prince who, relying entirely on their promises, has neglected other precautions, is ruined; because friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by nobility or greatness of mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon; and men have less scruple in offending one who is beloved than one who is feared, for love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserved you by a dread of punishment which never fails. Nevertheless a prince ought to inspire fear in such a way that, if he does not win love, he avoids hatred; because he can endure very well being feared whilst he is not hated, which will always be as long as he abstains from the property of his citizens and subjects and from their women."Basically, "A prince ought to inspire fear in such a way that, if he does not win love, he avoids hatred." Machiavelli explains that men are selfish and cowardly; therefore when you are feared, they will be yours. However, as soon as danger approaches they will turn against you. This is why you also need to balance a good amount of love with it. In his opinion, fear comes first, but you still need love so that they will respect you. So, is it better to be loved or to be feared? Ask Machiavelli.