In the intricate dance of leadership, we often find ourselves entangled in the web of Politicking, Posturing, and Peacocking — the three P’s that shape the landscape of our organizations, cultures, communities and teams.
These three elements, when unchecked, create a toxic concoction that create a deep misalignment in our ability to effectively lead and paves the way for destructive tendencies and often, not so subtle, power plays.
Understanding each of these elements is paramount to deciphering the underlying currents that ground us in real leadership, not just the facade of it.
Politicking: Navigating the Power Play
Politicking, in the context of leadership, refers to the strategic maneuvering and manipulation to gain advantage or influence. It’s a game of power, where individuals prioritize personal gain over the collective good of the organization, team, culture or community.
This often involves engaging in strategic alliances, behind-the-scenes deals, cunning tactics, and subtle manipulation to secure one’s position of power. The focus shifts from serving the greater good to advancing individual agendas, eroding trust and safety, and fostering an environment of cut-throat competition rather than connected collaboration.
Posturing: The Mask We Wear
Posturing involves the deliberate presentation of oneself in a certain way to create a specific impression. It’s about projecting an image of strength, control, competence, or authority, often at the expense of authenticity.
Leaders caught up in the trap of posturing may find themselves in a constant struggle to maintain a facade, where their continue to put on a mask that hinders genuine connections with their team. This can foster a culture of superficiality, where appearances matter more than substance.
Peacocking: Flaunting False Feathers
Peacocking is the ostentatious display of success, wealth, or power sa a means to draw attention to themselves. Leaders who engage in peacocking often prioritize the appearance of success over meaningful impact.
In leadership, it involves the flamboyant showcasing of achievements, often for self-validation or to outshine others. The desire for recognition and validation can lead to a culture of greed, competitiveness, superficiality, and one-upmanship, fostering an environment where individual success is prioritized over collective well-being.
Differences and Disparities Between the 3 P’s
The distinctions between politicking, posturing, and peacocking are subtle but consequential. Politicking is about gaining power and strategic maneuvering, posturing is projecting a desired image, and peacocking is flaunting achievements for recognition.
When these elements converge, they create a space where leaders may be driven by a collective addiction to greed, instant gratification, and power over others.
This misalignment can manifest as a toxic cocktail, poisoning the well of effective leadership, healthy cultures, and team engagement.
As a result, leaders become entrapped in a cycle of cunning, cutthroat gamesmanship, truly losing sight of the real purpose of leadership — to inspire, serve, and elevate others. The relentless pursuit of personal gain erodes the very foundations of ethical and authentic leadership, leaving a trail of broken trust and unfulfilled potential.
Shifting Focus: Embracing the Three C’s
To break free from the grip of the 3 P’s, we must redirect our focus towards the three C’s: Connection, Compassion, and Collaboration.
Instead of politicking for power, let us forge genuine connections with those we lead. Rather than posturing for appearance, let us embrace authenticity and lead with compassion. In lieu of peacocking for recognition, let us foster a culture of collaboration where collective success is celebrated over individual accolades.
Connection: Building Genuine Bonds
Leadership founded on connection emphasizes building and nurturing genuine relationships. By understanding and valuing the uniqueness of individuals, leaders can create a culture of trust and transparency.
Genuine connections form the basis for a resilient and thriving organizational ecosystem, connected cultures, and greater engagement.
Compassion: Leading with Empathy
Compassion-driven leadership involves understanding the experiences and emotions of others. Empathy becomes the guiding force, allowing leaders to make decisions that consider the well-being of all stakeholders.
Compassion transcends self-interest, personal agendas, and lends to fostering a culture of deeper empathy, compassion, and understanding.
Collaboration: Power With, Not Over
Collaborative leadership rejects the notion of power over others in favor of power with others. By embracing diverse perspectives and leveraging the strengths of the collective, leaders can drive meaningful change.
Collaboration then becomes the catalyst for innovation and sustainable success, replacing the superficial allure of the 3 P’s.
A New Equation for Success: Power With, Not Over
As we venture into a new era of leadership, let us adopt a new equation for success — one that revolves around ‘Power with’ rather than ‘Power over.’
Leading from love, with love, allows us to tap into the true essence of human connection, creating an environment where individuals thrive collectively. This paradigm shift encourages the cultivation of trust, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose and meaning.
Embracing the Three C’s
By leaning into the three C’s — Connection, Compassion, and Collaboration — we pave the way for a leadership style that transcends the limitations of politicking, posturing, and peacocking.
Connection fosters trust, compassion nurtures authenticity, and collaboration drives collective success.
Together, they form the pillars of a leadership philosophy that not only transforms individuals but also creates a sustainable ripple effect, positively influencing the entire organizational ecosystem.
The shift from politicking, posturing, and peacocking to the three C’s of connection, compassion, and collaboration represents a fundamental transformation in leadership philosophy.
It is through this paradigm shift that we can create a new equation for success — one that prioritizes the greater good over individual gain, fostering a culture of genuine, sustainable leadership that benefits all.
Leadership rooted in love fosters genuine connections, nurtures compassion, and promotes collaboration as the new metric for success.