The feeling that we have control over the world around us and that our actions have effect is what keeps us ticking.
The opposite of this feeling — having no control over our environment or actions, is debilitating and soul crushing.
This is where what I call the “One Man Army Syndrome” is generated from. I will refer to a person under this mindset as a “lone soldier” in this article.
We all like to think we can go it alone, that we can solve every problem by ourselves. This works for some problems, but life is full of situations that call for group effort. We should all realize this and embrace having others lifting the burden of completion for us, even if it is a small amount.
Lone Soldier
Some people are natural loners. They may not be social outcasts, but they prefer working alone. I am one of these people. For the type of work I do, teamwork can be necessary, but with too many cooks in the kitchen, we can forget what we’re cooking.
Even I realize there will come a time when I will need outside help. Not necessarily employees, but contractors who can work on things ad hoc. This is the natural flow of things, but I feel most lone soldiers resist this idea.
Not Everyone Is A Good Leader
I used to work with an incredible guy who was a high ranking person in a New Jersey police department. I won’t get too into it, but he had to manage a lot of people. When people’s lives are at stake, you take negotiations with the people who work under you much more serious than at a retail job.
This man is a good leader because he leaves you to your autonomy and freedom, as long as you know how to get the job done. This is important, because as B.F. Skinner wrote in his brilliant book Beyond Freedom and Dignity, no one wants to be told to do what they are already or are about to be doing.
This is the contention for lone soldiers. They don’t like being told what to do because they believe they know how to do it better than the person telling them what to do does.
How A Leader Should Communicate To A Lone Soldier
When delegating tasks to a lone soldier, we must acknowledge their talents and strengths.
“We need to do x by y, but you know how to do it better than anyone, so I won’t tell you what to do”
This basic interaction is like a breath of fresh air to a lone soldier. Their skills and personality are acknowledged, and this command now sounds like a suggestion. Most lone soldiers will gladly do this task to show they can get it done and that their reputation is never scrutinized.
People are complex and many moving parts lurk beneath a seemingly simple exterior. When you find yourself in works with a lone soldier type, realize that their ego is on the line. Just like us all, they need acknowledgement of their existence and roles.