“A country needs a strong leader.”
This conviction is repeated all over the world. It shows up in politics, in companies, and even in everyday conversations about who should be “in charge.” Yet, as psychology and history reveal, the reality is far more nuanced — and often the opposite of what we imagine.
Where the Myth Comes From
Throughout history, leaders were often seen as warriors. Kings, emperors, and prophets were celebrated for their strength, bravery, and ability to protect their people. Philosophers like Machiavelli and Carlyle further reinforced this myth by arguing that great men shape the destiny of nations.
Even modern leadership theories borrow from the animal kingdom: the concept of the “alpha male” dominates business books, suggesting that organizations thrive under a single dominant figure. It’s an appealing story — simple, powerful, and easy to believe.
But Reality Tells a Different Story
When we look at how humans first organized themselves, the picture changes. Early hunter-gatherer societies were not led by authoritarian rulers but by small, cooperative groups where reciprocity and shared responsibility mattered most. Power was based on expertise — not domination.
And yet, the myth of the strong leader keeps resurfacing because it reinforces itself. History lessons focus on figures like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, or Churchill. Media narratives treat the words of modern leaders as if they were absolute truths. And political leaders themselves are eager to project power, since it benefits their image.
The Hidden Costs of Strongman Leadership
The pandemic revealed much about our expectations of leadership. Research has shown that companies led by men were hit harder by the first wave of COVID-19 compared to those led by women. Why? Because leadership that emphasizes control, dominance, and image often comes at the expense of adaptability, empathy, and collective intelligence — qualities that are essential in crises.
Authoritarian leadership also weakens institutions. When a leader places themselves above independent systems like justice, media, or science, trust in democracy erodes. The result is a vicious cycle: citizens feel insecure, demand a “strong hand,” and in turn give even more power to the leader — further undermining resilience.
What We Really Need
Today’s challenges — from global pandemics to climate change — are too complex for one person to solve. They require diverse knowledge, collaboration, and flexible problem-solving. A single “great man” cannot embody all of this, no matter how charismatic or powerful.
As historian Lord Acton once said: “Great men are almost always bad men.”
It’s a sobering reminder that the concentration of power in one individual rarely serves the common good.
Towards a New Leadership Model
Research shows that leadership styles emphasizing cooperation, empathy, and shared governance lead to better outcomes. In fact, female leadership often outperforms traditional authoritarian models, precisely because it focuses less on domination and more on inclusion and long-term well-being.
The future does not need kings, emperors, or strongmen. It needs builders: leaders who can bring people together, strengthen institutions, and inspire trust — not through fear, but through collaboration.
✅ Takeaway: The myth of the strong leader may be centuries old, but it doesn’t fit the world we live in today. To face the challenges ahead, we need leadership that is less about power and more about people.