Leading by Popularity

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Let's talk about popularity for a brief moment. It’s the perfume of our times, worn by everyone from politicians to pet influencers. But before we get too carried away, let’s take a moment to admire the stunning hypocrisy of leading by popularity.

Leading by popularity is a special skill that combines the noble art of saying whatever you think people want to hear with a subtle undercurrent of “don’t look at any of my actual qualifications.”

"Living on the lighted stage approaches the unreal for those who think and feel; in touch with some reality beyond the gilded cage."

Now, I don't want to get off on a rant here, but let's get real for a moment: popularity is like a high school prom queen crown made out of tinfoil. It looks great until the first gust of reality blows it off your head. It’s a dazzling achievement that comes with a snazzy scepter made from half-truths and social media likes. Politicians are the prime purveyors of this grand illusion. They stand on podiums with their best “I’m deeply concerned” faces, while behind closed doors, their strategy sessions involve the question, “What can we say to make people like us more?” As if public opinion polls are a moral compass and not just a slightly scary snapshot of which way the wind is blowing.

"Those who wish to be must put aside the alienation, get on with the fascination, the real relation, the underlying theme."

Leading by popularity involves a masterful blend of fakery and charm. Picture this: a politician who suddenly becomes an ardent supporter of your favorite cause, despite having no previous record of caring about it. The secret to this sudden transformation? A carefully calculated public relations campaign and the ability to wear a new, “sympathetic” face that conveniently matches the trending Twitter hashtags. The same goes for celebrities and influencers who spend more time crafting their public personas than actually being real people. They’re the experts at pretending to be passionate about issues they’ve barely heard of, as long as it keeps them in the spotlight. It’s less “informed leader” and more “enthusiastic but unqualified cheerleader.”

"Cast in this unlikely role, ill-equipped to act, with insufficient tact, one must put up barriers to keep oneself intact."

Popularity-based leadership is like ordering food at a restaurant based solely on the chef’s ability to do a TikTok dance. Sure, it’s entertaining, but it might not result in a gourmet meal. Leadership - real leadership - requires more than just knowing what people want to hear. It involves making tough decisions, being informed, and—dare we say it—having actual expertise. When leaders prioritize popularity, they often sidestep difficult but necessary choices in favor of easier, more palatable options. It’s like choosing to take the escalator instead of the stairs, because who needs the uphill battle of actually solving problems when you can just smile and wave while gliding down the escalator?

Perhaps the most hilarious part of leading via popularity is the inevitable disconnect between public perception and reality. People might adore a leader who promises free ice cream for everyone, but when the leader discovers that ice cream doesn’t solve budget deficits, things can get a bit awkward. It’s like applauding a magician who’s great at making coins disappear but never acknowledging that he’s not actually solving world hunger. The disconnect between flashy promises and substantive action is a spectacularly amusing sight, akin to watching a puppy trying to herd cats.

"All the world's indeed a stage and we are merely players, performers and portrayers, each another's audience outside the gilded cage."

In the end, leading via popularity is an art form, a dance, and sometimes a tragi-comic performance. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The next time you see a leader basking in the glow of popularity, remember, it’s all part of the grand show. Enjoy the spectacle, but don’t forget to ask, “What’s actually being accomplished behind the curtain?”

Because while popularity might win you the crown, it’s the substance beneath that crown that actually leads the way. And who knows? Maybe the next time you see a leader promising the moon while sticking to social media trends, you’ll appreciate the irony with a well-timed chuckle. After all, if we’re going to follow someone based on their popularity, we might as well enjoy the ride because, just like with that exciting roller-coaster ride, you're just as likely to end up right back where you started.