“I would rather rein in a fiery warhorse than prod a reluctant mule.”
The Israeli military leader and politician Moshe Dayan was quoted as making this statement in The Lion’s Gate by Steven Pressfield, a tremendous book about the Six-Day War. Dayan was looking for aggressiveness in his military. I can understand this stance when you fight a war, especially when you are given no chance of victory.
Think about President Lincoln trying to prod one reluctant general after another to prosecute the war and engage the enemy. Then he found General Grant. Perhaps Moshe Dayan took a lesson from American history.
Let’s shift our focus from history and delve into the leadership styles most of us practice. Understanding and appreciating the value of different leadership styles can enlighten us and empower our leadership journey.
Aggressiveness, the desire to charge forward, carry out the mission, and get things done, has value and its place. Think about the people you lead and serve. Who are those who are charging forward? You need those people on your team. They can be frustrating and inspirational at the same time. Sometimes, they charge in the wrong direction. Sometimes, they don’t respond to the rein or the bit, meaning your direction. This is where your communication, leadership, and decision-making skills come into play, crucial for handling these situations effectively.
Now, think about those who need a prod and a push. They are also sources of frustration. You most likely spend a lot of time guiding, directing, and pushing.
Don’t discount the importance of the “reluctant mule.” Mules are sure-footed creatures, though they can be stubborn. But they won’t tread where they shouldn’t. You should pay attention to what those you perceive as “stubborn mules” may be telling you. They may save you from missteps and mistakes if they balk, raise objections, or seem resistant. Your communication, leadership, and decision-making skills are just as crucial here.
The fiery warhorse and the reluctant mule both have their roles. They both have pluses and minus. Both are sources of frustration. But both are needed.