How does a public display of anger affect the leader’s credibility? Anger is one of the toughest emotions to master. We can easily become angry when someone attacks us or does something unacceptable. Anger uncontrolled is extremely debilitating because we usually say and do things we later regret.
A display of uncontrolled anger was the start of Napoleon’s fall. When Napoleon first heard rumors that one of his top ministers was plotting against him, he totally lost control. In his court amongst a number people-he publicly attacked his minister. Napoleon turned red, his eyes bulged out and screamed at the top of his lungs. The accusations, insults and humiliating remarks were non stop. In effect he had a tantrum that showed immaturity and lack of judgement.
Napoleon’s lack of anger mastery made him look completely helpless. He also was showing his cards which limited his future options. This was one of the turningpoints of his rule. His followers started to question his leadership ability because he looked frustrated and incompetent.
Napoleon had improperly used his anger. On the other hand, Elizabeth I, Queen of England, knew how to use anger to her advantage and when truly angry knew how to control this intense emotion.
As a woman, single handedly leading her nation, she had a lot to prove. During her reign, there were numerous plots on her life and conspiracies to overthrow her from the throne. She mastered the art of dissimulation and knew how to keep everyone wondering. There were times when she wanted to scare her opponents on purpose and would manufacture anger to instill fear for a particular purpose. This use of control anger gave her a leg up on others. The fact that it was controlled enhanced her power. An ambassador to her court once said that he’d rather be in Calcutta than in her presence during these displays.
One time a representative from another court truly made her angry by making a public accusation in front of all her courtiers. Rather than lose her cool, she took time to compose herself and came back with an eloquent angry response.
It’s OK for leaders and all of us to experience healthy anger. Those who master this emotion will strengthen their position and power. Done improperly it will doom the leader.
Your Thoughts and Insights
Do you know a leader who has mastered anger?
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