The use of power to achieve results typically requires arrogance and lack of empathy. Almost exclusively the practice is focused on self-aggrandizement, i.e., the action or process of promoting oneself as being powerful or important.
This method can get results but often it leaves a field of dead bodies. Ultimately it is not a sustainable way to operate. For one thing, the bodies do run out eventually.
Motivation
Demanding others adhere to your wishes works when the perceived consequences are motivational. Fear of bad outcomes (e.g., violence, lost job, smeared reputation) do motivate us, but it is limited.
Keeping your instructions limited to a small audience, told not to share, is another typical motivating technique used by the autocratic.
This works because those in the know want to stay that way and so are motivated to follow direction. Sharing with others can lead to a power challenge and the leader does not want that.
Tactical
The approach, where a super leader dictates who does what and when with minimal (if any) collaboration is very tactical. That is, constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific advantage for the leader.
Not surprisingly the super leader approach is appreciated by many organizations, both social and commercial because it does lead to results. Things get done.
The lack of sustainability and the fact that outcomes are not of high quality is often overlooked. The overriding fact is “shit got done”.
