In business, the two reflect two beliefs.
Leading is rooted in acceptance. Leaders accept and recognize agency in the people they work with and the motivation that we all have towards a shared goal. Leading says that I see you, hear you, and you see me and understand me; we depend on each other to make things happen.
Dominating is rooted in rejection. It doesn’t believe people have agency or know how to apply it. It doesn’t recognize people's motivation and emotional engagement. It’s the belief that people don’t need to understand; they just need to do as they are told. Compliance is how people work for the dominating power. In large systems, it’s about policy, rules, and business as usual.
Dominating cares less about closing gaps and where everyone is. And because of that, it creates resistance instead of buying in.
Dominating is also associated with winning. In any circumstances, when work turns into competition, we see dominance appear.
But if we choose to lead, we are serving those we care about.
