‘His Master’s Voice is an entertainment trademark used by numerous global sound equipment manufacturers, record labels and entertainment retailers. It is derived from the painting of the same name that depicts a dog named Nipper listening to a wind-up gramophone whilst tilting his head.’ Francis Barrud

Many of us have a bit of Nipper in us. We listen attentively at the horn of the Gramophone for our Master’s Voice. We cock our head attentively at the dulcet sounds. Bob Dylan sang, ‘Gotta Serve Somebody.

Serving our Master gives a sense of purpose. It eliminates free thought. We just listen and elicit a welcome nod from Our Master as we cock our head in approval and rapt attention. The Gramophone does not understand our devotion to it…it plays its tune repeatedly.

Some vote for a leader who will abuse and punish them due to their lack of self-respect. An authoritarian voice who takes his enemies to the woodshed is reminiscent of their childhood and their poor self-image.

Many loyal listeners to their Master’s Voice suffer at his mercurial pronouncements. I have worked with leaders who led by their feelings of the day. When they woke up on the right side of the bed, it was a good day for the staff. If it was a bad day, all hell broke loose as the leader took out their frustrations on those who looked to them for guidance.

Leaders who believe they own their organization and the people in it are emboldened to reward loyalty and punish what they perceive as disloyalty. An autocratic leader seeks what is in the deal for them. Agreements and contracts can be changed at the will of The Master’s Voice…

The vinyl disc is turning. Nippers from across the world are listening…for our Master’s Voice…