The first rule for such a situation is to make decisions like an engineer, based on technical merit rather than personal considerations. It was a way of getting people to trust me, Torvalds explained. When people trust you, they take your advice. He also realized that leaders in a voluntary collaborative have to encourage others to follow their passion, not boss them around. The best and most effective way to lead is by letting people do things because they want to do them, not because you want them to. Such a leader knows how to empower groups to self-organize.
In leadership, especially in collaborative environments, making decisions based on technical merit rather than personal biases is crucial. This approach fosters trust among team members, as highlighted by Torvalds, who believes that trust encourages people to seek and value your advice. By prioritizing objective assessments, leaders can build a solid foundation for cooperation.
Furthermore, effective leaders should inspire others to pursue their passions rather than impose directives. The most successful leadership style empowers individuals to take initiative and organize themselves around their interests. This method not only enhances motivation but also leads to a more dynamic and innovative work environment, as individuals contribute because they genuinely want to.