Human or Pig? The ultimate lesson leaders can take from the classic Animal Farm by George Orwell
It’s a widely known tale and one that is often used as a good case study when it comes to L&D. Beyond its narrative of barnyard revolution, Orwell's symbolic story serves as a meaningful exploration of power dynamics, social structures, and the nature of leadership. Through the lens of animals, Animal Farm unveils a poignant commentary on human nature, governance, and the pursuit of power. There are some impactful leadership lessons woven throughout Orwell's tale, pondering the not-so-often asked question: Who is better suited for leadership, humans or pigs?
Those who are familiar with Orwell’s tale know its circular narrative. The animals, fed up with the oppression of their humans, revolt and overthrow their leaders, only to find themselves succumbing to the same temptations that power and corruption led them to fight against in the first place. There are several key learning points throughout the story which are important milestones shaping the ultimate lesson.
Vision and Inspiration: Old Major's vision of a society where animals live free from human oppression serves as a powerful example of visionary leadership. Leaders who can articulate a compelling vision and inspire others to work towards it can ignite movements and bring about significant change. This is vital when trying to inspire any team, but also remember that promises need to be achievable and that visions that never come to fruition will only result in a huge fall in morale and motivation.
Integrity and Accountability: Boxer's unwavering dedication and commitment to the principles of Animalism highlight the importance of integrity in leadership. Leaders who uphold their values, act with honesty, and take responsibility for their actions earn the trust and respect of their followers. Boxer is one of the most loyal and hardworking animals on the farm, but ultimately, his lack of critical thinking and blind allegiance results in his end because the pigs did not act with integrity and accountability.
The Dangers of Power and Corruption: Napoleon's descent into tyranny serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power. Leaders who prioritise their own interests over the well-being of their followers can sow discord, erode trust, and undermine the very foundations of their leadership. This is the classic anti-leadership lesson we all know well, but it’s still an important reminder to check your ego at the door and focus on the needs of the team and not the C-suite.
Effective Communication: Squealer's skillful manipulation of language and propaganda demonstrates the power of effective communication in shaping perceptions and controlling narratives. Leaders who can articulate their message clearly, persuasively, and authentically can rally support, build consensus, and inspire action. Remember, this tool can be used for good and evil, and negative language and messaging, no matter how well it’s disguised their effective communication, will always be exposed in the end.
The Importance of Critical Thinking: The animals' gradual realisation of the pigs' betrayal underscores the importance of critical thinking and discernment in evaluating leadership. Followers who question authority, challenge assumptions, and seek out alternative perspectives can prevent abuses of power and hold leaders accountable. It’s the cornerstone of my approach as I believe being challenged as a leader to be one of the most important practices when creating effective leadership.
Resilience and Perseverance: Despite the setbacks and adversity faced by the animals, their determination to continue the struggle for freedom and equality demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit. Leaders who persevere in the face of adversity, learn from failure, and adapt to changing circumstances can inspire hope and resilience in their followers because ultimately, everyone in our team wants the company to grow and excel, and if that’s not the case, you have to question why the company culture doesn’t make your employees feel like it’s on their side.
In the end, Animal Farm isn't just a story about animals; it's a mirror reflecting the complexities of human nature and governance. So, next time you're pondering the age-old question of who's better suited for leadership—humans or pigs—remember the lessons of Animal Farm. It's not about the species; it's about the qualities that make a leader worth following and cultivating an environment built on honesty, integrity and holding everyone, especially leaders, accountable.