Management by fear

There are many different management styles. For instance:

(1) management by objectives: you outline the goals of the organisation and you examine whether enough is done to reach those goals.

(2) Management by exception: you outline the standards and redirect any deviation from those standards.

(3) Management by walking around: you move around through the organization, take a look at what’s happening and use your authority to improve what can be improved.


A while ago I was convinced I had discovered yet another style. Not with myself, but with someone who used to be my superior. Proudly I baptised this style as ‘management by fear’: do as I say or I will frighten you.

Online I learned that others had made this discovery long before me.
How often do you scare others to get what you want?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe for free.

Want to stay in the loop with Jan Willem’s personal views on the topics of leadership, perception, communication, mission and strategy? 

Sign up and receive the monthly blog ‘At the Fireplace’ and other inspiring thoughts.

Subscribe to the monthly ‘At the FIreplace’ for free.

You will receive an email from larissa@janwillemjansen.com. Put this e-mail address in your safe contacts so that you can be sure to receive it. Also check your spam box.