Somebody, Please Lead… Part 2

If “Mergers of Equals” really don’t work, why do companies do them?

Simply put, it is the “Be Nice” mutation of behavior. I call it a “mutation” because it is an unnatural expectation placed on the need to be “liked”, to be accepted.

Think this one through.

Companies are led by leaders. Some leaders are aggressive; you know, the “Type A’s” that are making way through the waves of commerce. And you know what; some of those guys (and gals) make fairly good leaders. There are also some great leaders that are not aggressive, but that does not mean that they want to win. In fact, great leaders have ambitions and are assertive. But they keep their ego checked at the door and lead others to do great things. 

The “Be Nice” mutation is internal, an unreasonable expectation within the leader that if they are too aggressive, that they will not be liked. It is a MUTATION of a good character trait that lies dormant in all of us. We need to “Be Nice” to people; there is a natural need to “Be Nice” to people we care about

The “Be Nice” mutation causes inauthentic behavior. It is the “Be Nice” mutation that creates Politically Correct behavior, the idea that it is better to participate than to win, the idea assertive = a**hole aggressive. It is the mutation of “Be Nice” that creates the idea of a “Merger of Equals”.

“Be Nice” and share works when you are drinking a bottle of wine, having a meal, and you want to share. But as I watched my kids this afternoon, sharing was fine until the older one decided that she did not want to share the doll with the little one. First was the assertion from the little one to “share. Then came the aggressive swiping of the doll when the older one wasn’t looking. Next was the aggressive snatch back. The noisy reaction brought in the “regulator” who said “share”. Did that work? Nope, so Dad took the doll away and put it in “time out” and peace was restored.

When was the last time you watched a committee led by two “co-chairman” that really got anything done? It does happen, but only when the two “leaders” already know each other and have established a great working relationship. 

Now think about the leaders of two companies. Both businesses are in the same industry, and may have been competitors. The leaders may even be cordial with each other. But they each started the business or were in their position because of drive, ambition, the need to “win” and accomplish something. They are each used to being the boss. 

Now tell those two people to mix their companies and be “equals” in leadership.

There will be friction. Friction brings heat. Heat builds fire, and the loyal followers of the two leaders will feel the heat from the fire. The “we” vs. “them” emotion builds. Before long, young children start to look fairly mature.

Next – How to keep the mutation in remission.