Member-only story
How Good People Enable Bad Leaders — Even in Church
Why Silence, Loyalty, and Fear Keep Toxic Pastors in Power
The first dictator I ever met wasn’t in a history book — he was my supermarket manager.
When I was 17 years old, I acquired my first position as a humble shop assistant. I was excited about the prospect of earning a wage, but equally naive about the workplace dynamics.
One day, early in my employment, I was stacking Cornflakes onto the shelves when I became aware that someone was standing behind me. I turned around to see the manager of the supermarket.
Without warning, he stepped right into my personal space and leaned in so close that I could smell the cigarette smoke on his breath.
“Who’s your boss?” Spat the manager.
“Umm… you are,” I said, slightly confused by the question.
“That’s right,” He said, “Now, respect me!”
Then he simply walked off.
I didn’t realize it then, but I had just had my first encounter with an authoritarian leader. I want to tell you that his bizarre behavior was an aberration among leaders, but that would be untrue.
