The term needs to be understood correctly. Superiors needs not only legal authority, but also moral authority.
In the award-winning film, Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough, there is a scene where Mahatma Gandhi is under arrest and produced before the judge. As Gandhiji enters the court, there is an expression of awe on the face of the judge and he rises from his chair. Seeing the judge rise, the entire court stands up, paying respect to Gandhiji. The judge’s action was a spontaneous response to the authority possessed by Gandhiji. The judge said, with evident admiration for the great man: “It is impossible for me to ignore that you are in a different category from any person I have ever tried or am likely to try…”
What is authority?
To read the entire article, click Subscribe
