Applause Addiction

 Addiction is a condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. The two properties that characterize all addictive stimuli are that they are reinforcing and intrinsically rewarding. In short, addiction is a disorder of the brain’s reward system.  One of the most devastating addictions affecting leaders across genres is applause addiction. This quick rush of worth & affirmation is insidious & corrosive in its impact. To be addicted to applause is to be at the mercy of popular opinion. It’s to allow what others think to trump what’s true and right.  And while we all have a desire to be appreciated, it’s the need for approval that can lure us from the truth to what sells.  It leads us to perform rather than serve. It’s persuasive, it’s intoxicating, it’s seductive and we need a steady supply to maintain our high.

 

I’ve even discovered that applause has laws. Andy Stanley frames it this way:

1. What’s applauded as exceptional the 1st time will be expected the next time

2. The most applauded for feel the most entitled to

3.  Applause intoxicated people don’t make good decisions

4.  Because applause is addictive we’ll start looking for it or even manufacture it

Hence why when things don’t go well we become manipulative and try harder to generate what we need, often sacrificing principles and integrity in the process.

 

For those in leadership who may be struggling with applause addiction, let me challenge you to contemplate something: Are you clear about whose applause you’re working for?

  • Are you suffering from “daddy issues” because your dad didn’t affirm you nor support you?

  • Are you trying to prove someone right/prove wrong through the things you seek to achieve?

  • Who are you really doing all you’re doing for?

  • Are you utilizing social media to feed your appetite for affirmation not realizing that it will never satisfy it? (Side note: you can’t put a “filter” on reality!)

 

Let me leave you with 4 questions to consider for introspection:

1. What’s my motive and how has it changed since the applause started?

2. Why am I anxious about what people think of me?

3. How much of my ego is at work when I stand to lead?

4. Do I ever preference an idea w/how will this make me look?

 

I’ve discovered that applause sounds best when it’s in response to authenticity…