Which Do You Prefer: a Kind Boss or a Fearful Boss? When we try to achieve goals as a team, we need someone to lead us, such as a school teacher or a workplace supervisor. While it’s pleasant to have a fun school life under a kind teacher, would a strict boss be more suitable if you aim to always deliver results at work? This time, let’s learn about the qualities of a truly strong leader through the Japanese manga “Demon Slayer” by Koyoharu Gotouge!
What kind of manga is Demon Slayer?
It is a story about a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado who fights demons to turn his sister, who has become a demon, back into a human.
Koyoharu Gotouge. 2016. Demon Slayer. Japan: Shueisha
Two Leaders in Demon Slayer
In Demon Slayer, the kind leader is Kagaya Ubuyashiki. He is the head of the demon-slaying organization, the Demon Slayer Corps. He calls the swordsmen of the Corps “my children” and treasures them dearly.
On the other hand, the fearful leader is Muzan Kibutsuji. He turns humans into demons and controls them through fear for his own purposes. Muzan is responsible for attacking the protagonist’s family and turning his sister into a demon. He refers to the demons as “undesirable kin,” indicating his lack of affection for them.
Can You Gauge a Leader’s Magnitude Through Meetings?
Now, considering the characteristics of the two leaders, let’s compare the scenes of their respective meetings!
Originally, the Demon Slayer Corps and demons are adversaries. Therefore, the fact that Tanjiro Kamado is accompanied by his demon sister, Nezuko Kamado, is a violation. However, Kagaya Ubuyashiki acknowledges their special circumstances and explains them to the other members in the “Hashira Meeting.”
Naturally, other members are concerned that Nezuko, being a demon, might attack humans. But Kagaya Ubuyashiki says:
“There is no guarantee that she won’t attack humans. It can’t be proven. However, it also can’t be proven that she will attack humans.”
Given that Nezuko hasn’t eaten humans for over two years, “to deny this, those who deny it must offer something greater in return.”
Koyoharu Gotouge.Episodes 1-22.Demon Slayer.Japan: ufotable
“There are still those who may not look favorably upon Nezuko. It must be proven.” “It must be proven that Tanjiro and Nezuko can fight as members of the Demon Slayer Corps and be useful.”
Koyoharu Gotouge.Episodes 1-23.Demon Slayer.Japan: ufotable
In other words, Kagaya Ubuyashiki convinces people through dialogue rather than authority. His willingness to trust and give a chance to the demon Nezuko also suggests his broad-mindedness.
How about Muzan Kibutsuji? In what is called the “Power Harassment Meeting,” when his subordinates try to voice opposing opinions in a meeting held in his castle, they are punished, making any discussion impossible!
“I never make mistakes. I hold all decision-making power, and what I say is absolute. You have no right to refuse.”
Koyoharu Gotouge.Episodes 1-26.Demon Slayer.Japan: ufotable
Ultimately, Muzan Kibutsuji punished the demons present and disbanded the organization of the “Lower Moons.” He might have contributed more to demon slaying than the Demon Slayer Corps!
The Downfall of Control Through Fear
Muzan Kibutsuji rules his subordinates by instilling fear. Of course, his subordinates act desperately to avoid his wrath, but what effect does such a relationship have on people?
When people are scolded, they feel “strong pressure.” From a neuroscientific perspective, it becomes a “stressful situation.” People are “overwhelmed by negative emotions, temporarily impairing their brain function.” As a result, they lose the ability to “make judgments or think independently.”
Naoto Muranaka . “Scolding Is Meaningless” – An Expert Explains the Risks of Continually Scolding Children. cocreco. https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/cocreco/general/childcare/vXZaA
In other words, control through fear stifles personal growth. When individuals’ ability to think deteriorates, it’s natural for the entire organization to weaken.
What Makes a Strong Leader?
So, what kind of person is a strong leader who builds a strong organization? In short, I believe it is someone who can “build strong relationships of trust.”
Kagaya Ubuyashiki says the following to Muzan Kibutsuji:
“The feeling of not forgiving those who took the lives of loved ones unfairly is eternal. No one forgives you.”
My subordinates admire me. ”In other words, if I die, the morale of the Demon Slayer Corps will increase even more.”
Koyoharu Gotouge.Episodes 5-8.Demon Slayer.Japan: ufotable
Kagaya Ubuyashiki understands his subordinates well and has built strong relationships of trust. However, he is not kind to everyone. He firmly states that he will not forgive Muzan Kibutsuji, who hurt his loved ones.
When people see that their leader cares about them and the company, getting angry becomes a form of “affection.” Those who can get angry for the sake of others, rather than out of selfishness, are well-respected and trusted by those around them.
Preemptive Training Office. “The Advantages and Disadvantages of Anger.” http://sakidori-gata-kenshu.com/anger09/
Thus, Kagaya Ubuyashiki is a strong leader of a strong organization built on strong relationships of trust because he can get angry for the sake of his loved ones.
Summary
A respected strong leader is someone who embodies both kindness and fear. The confrontation between the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps and the leader of the demons was tense and compelling to watch! Finally, Tanjiro Kamado and the swordsmen known as the Hashira gather to fight against Muzan Kibutsuji! In Japan, it has been decided to adapt the story into a trilogy of movies. We look forward to their release!