Leadership is the key to how societies function. It’s not just about having a charismatic or inspiring leader; it’s about building systems that guide people’s behaviour. These systems influence how people act and think, which then shapes the attitudes of a community. In other words, leaders create systems that set the tone for everything else.
When a society has strong systems in place, people are more likely to follow the rules, work together, and behave well. On the flip side, when systems are weak or non-existent, chaos takes over, and even good people can end up doing bad things. This shows that the environment people live in has a massive impact on how they act, more than their personal morals or values.
Think about someone moving from a chaotic society to a well-organized one. For example, refugees fleeing a country with corruption and no rule of law often adapt quickly to life in a society with clear rules and systems. They follow traffic laws, pay taxes, and contribute to their communities. Why? It’s not because they magically became better people overnight. It’s because the new system makes it easier and more rewarding to do the right thing.
In an organised society, systems do the hard work. They set boundaries, enforce rules, and create incentives to behave well. When people see that breaking the rules has consequences and that following them leads to opportunities, they’re more likely to play by the rules. Systems make it clear that good behaviour pays off.
Now imagine the opposite scenario. If someone from a well-functioning society moves to a chaotic one where rules don’t matter, they’ll likely start bending or breaking the rules, too. Without a system to hold them accountable, people adapt to survive in the chaos, even if it means behaving in ways they wouldn’t have before. This shows how much systems, or the lack of systems, shapes human behaviour and attitudes.
Leaders are the ones responsible for creating and maintaining these systems. Their job isn’t just to give great speeches, attend countless meetings or be paid well. The most important thing they should do is set up systems that keep things running smoothly. These include laws, schools, economic structures, and social norms. When leaders focus on building strong systems, they set their communities up for long-term success.
For example, companies don’t succeed just because of a great CEO. They thrive because of the systems the CEO and their team put in place, clear roles, efficient processes, and accountability. The same goes for countries. Places like Singapore and Sweden are known for their order and efficiency because their leaders prioritized building strong systems, not just gaining popularity.
History is full of examples of what happens when systems fail. The fall of Rome, the collapse of the Soviet Union, or the struggles in countries with widespread corruption all show that without functioning systems, societies fall apart. On the other hand, countries that rebuilt after disasters, like Germany after World War II or South Korea after the Korean War, prove that focusing on systems can turn things around.
When systems are strong, they influence people to act in ways that benefit everyone. Over time, this creates attitudes of trust, cooperation, and respect for the rules. When systems are weak, people tend to act selfishly and distrust each other because they’re just trying to survive.
In the debate about whether leaders or followers matter more, it’s clear that leaders have a bigger responsibility. They’re the ones who create the systems that shape how people behave. A well-designed system helps everyone work together and stay on the right path, even if they’re not naturally inclined to do so. On the other hand, when systems fail, even the most law-abiding people can end up breaking the rules.
Good leadership is about more than being liked. It’s about building systems that allow society to function smoothly. When leaders prioritize systems, they leave a legacy that lasts far beyond their time in charge. When they don’t, societies are left in chaos. In the end, it’s the strength of the systems that determines whether a society thrives or struggles.
Desmond John Beddy
Leaders vs. Followers -How Systems Shape People and Their Attitudes
