Conflict helps to define the relationship and sets boundaries. The example I am thinking of is that of a lion in a pride. On occasion the alpha male is challenged and if the alpha male is to remain the alpha, it must meet the challenge and resolve the conflict. I know this is a simplistic view, but it’s a start and will move us along in our discussion.
The Roman emperor Vespasian (pronounced Ves-pay-see-an) offers an example what role conflict plays in the establishment of leader/follower relationships. Vespasian was the founder of the second dynasty of rulers of the Roman Empire. Vespasian assumed the throne of Emperor of the Roman Empire after Nero’s death. Vespasian claimed the throne with the encouragement of others and during a very trying time of economic distress and unclear purpose in the Roman Empire.
Arthur Cotterell, Roger Lowe and Ian Shaw in their book LEADERSHIP: Lessons from the Ancient World outline what Vespasian understood about conflict and that one must meet it head on. Additionally, Vespasian realize that conflict/debate is an opportunity for creative decision making that can lead to the selection and identification of a superior solution that can enrich all stakeholders (p.237). In trying to rally a nationalistic pride in Rome and used a symbol of Nero’s excesses, a private lake, Vespasian commissioned the building of the Great Roman Coliseum, a gigantic amphitheatre that is the standard for today’s football stadiums. In building the coliseum, Vespasian found a way to distance himself from Nero, unify himself with the citizens of Rome and, re -focus and re-direct the national pride of the empire.
The lesson which is offered by Vespasian on what role conflict plays in the establishment of leader/follower relationships is the outlining of an opportunity for mutual growth if the leader steps in to the situation or point of disagreement before defensive stance are establishment and offensive moves happen that seek to destroy a person. Conflict is an opportunity to move from point A to point B or destroy a whole enterprise.
References:
Cotterell, A., Lowe, R. and Shaw, I. (2006). LEADERSHIP: Lessons from the Ancient World. p. 231 – 247. West Sussex, England: John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
The Roman emperor Vespasian (pronounced Ves-pay-see-an) offers an example what role conflict plays in the establishment of leader/follower relationships. Vespasian was the founder of the second dynasty of rulers of the Roman Empire. Vespasian assumed the throne of Emperor of the Roman Empire after Nero’s death. Vespasian claimed the throne with the encouragement of others and during a very trying time of economic distress and unclear purpose in the Roman Empire.
Arthur Cotterell, Roger Lowe and Ian Shaw in their book LEADERSHIP: Lessons from the Ancient World outline what Vespasian understood about conflict and that one must meet it head on. Additionally, Vespasian realize that conflict/debate is an opportunity for creative decision making that can lead to the selection and identification of a superior solution that can enrich all stakeholders (p.237). In trying to rally a nationalistic pride in Rome and used a symbol of Nero’s excesses, a private lake, Vespasian commissioned the building of the Great Roman Coliseum, a gigantic amphitheatre that is the standard for today’s football stadiums. In building the coliseum, Vespasian found a way to distance himself from Nero, unify himself with the citizens of Rome and, re -focus and re-direct the national pride of the empire.
The lesson which is offered by Vespasian on what role conflict plays in the establishment of leader/follower relationships is the outlining of an opportunity for mutual growth if the leader steps in to the situation or point of disagreement before defensive stance are establishment and offensive moves happen that seek to destroy a person. Conflict is an opportunity to move from point A to point B or destroy a whole enterprise.
References:
Cotterell, A., Lowe, R. and Shaw, I. (2006). LEADERSHIP: Lessons from the Ancient World. p. 231 – 247. West Sussex, England: John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
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