How Tyranny Takes Hold

I've always wondered: How did Hitler rise to power?

There's a lesson for us in family business in this horrendous rise — one that did not represent the spirit of the German people.

After WWI, Germany was struggling. Long breadlines. Exploding unemployment. The Allied powers imposed crushing economic sanctions and installed an unfamiliar democratic government — the Weimar Republic — via the Treaty of Versailles.

For 15 years, pain and punishment were imposed from above.

The German people were literally starving for a solution. They saw no way out.

Everyone was vulnerable.

The Nazis exploited this brilliantly.

Adolf Hitler presented himself as a man of moderation. A man with ideas to build a better future. He was selling the greatest gift: hope.

A timeless truth: Repetition is persuasive. 

Hitler eloquently spoke to the pain. Not to virtue. Not to values. To pain.

He fed the idea that Germany had been betrayed from within. First, he pointed to Communists. Then, very slowly and strategically, he raised the temperature.

When most people saw Hitler for who he really was, it was too late.

Martin Niemöller, a German pastor, wrote:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.

The majority of the German people were lulled to sleep. Economic desperation and the pointing of fingers led to unspeakable tragedy.

A small man with charisma in a vulnerable moment created a death machine by controlling the narrative: focusing on blame, not values.

How did this happen?

Economic struggle. Unfamiliar systems that provided no hope. Absence of values in the narrative. Charismatic, repetitive messaging focused on pain and blame.

What does this have to do with family business?

Everything.

As stewards, we must create environments where good flourishes—not tyranny.

How to avoid collapse in your family business: (We are constantly working on the below at Century)

• A winning economic model. You must always have oxygen.

• Clear structure. Organizational design that enables growth.

• Values and vision. Who we are and where we're going.

• Stewardship. Principled leadership grounded in virtue. (A work in progress.)

If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

In family business, we're autonomous. We can be unreasonable in our stand for virtue. We can be the greatest force for good in our communities.

But we're irrational, imperfect humans. We need reminders. Constantly.

That's why having values as a compass matters.

What is your company's vision? Where are you going?

What are your company's values? What behaviors do you accept?

How often do you repeat them? 

Timeless truth: Thoughts repeated become beliefs.

Onward,

Matt