About greed
by Miki SaxonPost from Leadership Turn
I’m not a big fan of much in the modern leadership movement, especially the part that casts leaders as some kind of super person with MAP (mindset, attitude, philosophy™) and ethics above the rest of us. (Jim Stroup has written several brilliant posts on this subject.)
A Knowledge@Wharton Opinion comments that “Greed reflects a failure of leadership…” a statement with which I strongly disagree.
Greed reflects a person’s MAP, whether that person is head of a company or an internet scam artist.
One comment said “Greed has been and is a prime motivator of behavior on Wall Street.”
But is Wall Street greedy or is it that its ambiance and structure, i.e., culture, attracts those in whom greed is the driving force within their MAP?
Of course, greed in itself isn’t necessarily bad; harnessed and directed it’s a powerful motivator.
But rampant greed unleashes a drive that steamrolls over all other considerations in its drive to satiate itself—which it never does.
Greed desires to have, hold and control.
The mistake is to assume that greed is always about money. It’s not.
Greed is about many things—food, drink, clothes, politics, souls.
What are you greedy for?
Your comments—priceless
Don’t miss a post, subscribe via RSS or EMAIL
Image credit: i.am.doom [bwrah bwrah] CC license
Your comments-priceless
Don’t miss a post! Subscribe via RSS or EMAIL
Subscribe to MAPping Company Success 
September 13th, 2008 at 3:10 am
Miki,
This is a great post – highlighting the contest for rhetorical high ground as a way of spinning the nature of the debate. Whether you call it something as emotionally charged as “greed,” or more neutral like “self-interest,” it – as you importantly point out – directs itself to many things besides money (even to altruistic aspirations), and it animates the free-market system that has done such amazing good in the world.
On a macro level, it tends generally to work out, but on a micro level, you can tumble into disaster – and even take others with you – if you mis-appreciate the message in this.
Great post – thanks!
September 13th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Hi Jim, high praise indeed coming from you, thanks!
Ever since I read Atlas Shrugged I haven’t believed in altruism nor trusted those who claim it. I honestly don’t believe that people do anything without getting something back. Being tangible or understandable or of value to others has nothing to do with the return to the individual who does it.
September 14th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I believe everyone has some kind of greed exercised daily. Others use it in a bad way, others use it in a good way.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Hi Milo, it’s nice to see a new face, thanks for adding to the conversation.
You’re right, of course, about seeing it daily but I disagree that greed in any form is good.
I’m more a proponent of “Moderation in all things including moderation.” Petronius. Along with “too much of a good thing…”
See you again soon!