Lessons from Autocratic Leaders: What Brave Space Leaders Can Learn (and Avoid)

The rise of autocratic leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin isn’t just a political phenomenon—it’s a leadership case study. Why do people rally behind strong, centralizing figures, and what does this tell us about human behavior, team dynamics, and leadership itself?

For leaders striving to create brave spaces—where psychological safety, collaboration, and inclusivity thrive—autocracy represents the opposite approach. But here’s the twist: even the most control-driven leaders tap into something real. They offer stability in uncertain times, project confidence, and communicate in ways that deeply resonate. So, what can brave space leaders learn from this trend—and more importantly, what should they avoid?

Why Do People Turn to Autocratic Leaders?

Before we jump into lessons for brave space leadership, let’s understand why autocratic figures command such loyalty.

1. Stability in Uncertainty

When the world feels chaotic, people crave a sense of control. Autocratic leaders promise order and direction, giving people something firm to hold onto.Example: Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan reassured supporters with a vision of stability and strength, while Putin’s rigid control presents Russia as powerful and unyielding.

2. Simple, Clear Messaging

People don’t want complexity; they want clarity. Autocratic leaders often distill nuanced issues into straightforward, emotionally charged messages.

• “It’s us versus them.”

• “I alone can fix it.”

They position themselves as champions of the people against elite systems, offering easy solutions to complex problems.

3. Charisma and Emotional Appeal

Autocratic leaders often create an emotional bond with their followers. Their rhetoric, confidence, and ability to tap into fear, anger, or hope make people feel seen and understood.

4. Perceived Competence

Decisiveness, even when flawed, can appear strong—especially compared to bureaucratic indecision. Many people prefer a wrong but confident decision over endless debate. 5. Nostalgia for a Glorified Past

Promises of returning to a better time—whether real or imagined—resonate deeply. Leaders who leverage nostalgia tap into collective identity and cultural pride.

What This Means for Brave Space Leadership

If autocratic leadership appeals to stability, clarity, and strength, brave space leaders must show that collaboration, inclusion, and psychological safety are just as powerful. Here’s how:

What Brave Space Leaders Can Learn

✅ Decisiveness Matters  Brave spaces are not about endless discussion. Leaders must make clear, confident decisions while still valuing diverse perspectives.

✅ Messaging Should Be Clear and Compelling  Inclusion doesn’t have to be complicated. Brave space leaders can simplify their message without oversimplifying reality. Speak in ways that inspire and unite rather than divide.

✅ Genuine Connection is Key  People want to feel seen. Understanding team members’ fears, frustrations, and aspirations creates trust and loyalty.

✅ Symbolism and Storytelling Matter  People connect with strong narratives. Brave space leaders can create rituals, symbols, and shared experiences that foster belonging—without exclusion or division. What Brave Space Leaders Should Avoid

🚫 Fear-Based Leadership  Resist the urge to use fear to motivate action. Psychological safety leads to better outcomes than control.

🚫 Suppressing Dissent  A true brave space thrives on discussion—even disagreement. Leaders should welcome, not silence, differing opinions.

🚫 Over-Centralizing Power  Brave spaces distribute leadership and responsibility. Teams should feel empowered, not dependent on one central figure. 🚫 Manipulative Rhetoric  Emotional messaging should inspire, not manipulate. Brave leaders build trust through honesty, not polarization. The Bigger Picture: A Call to Courageous Leadership The rise of autocratic leaders reveals something crucial: People are searching for certainty, belonging, and direction. Brave space leaders can offer these things - but through trust, not fear; inclusion, not exclusion; and connection, not control.

In a world that often feels unstable, the strongest leaders are not those who dominate but those who empower. By balancing decisiveness with empathy, and strength with humility, brave space leaders can build cultures where both people and organizations thrive.

The choice is clear: Do we lead through fear and control, or do we lead with courage and connection? The future of leadership depends on it.