The Dark Side of Leadership

Summary

In this discussion, Professor Andrew Kakabadse explores the 'dark side of leadership,' highlighting the complexities of personality and systemic issues. He examines how charisma can devolve into manipulation and the impact of legacy-driven leadership. Kakabadse also addresses the uncomfortable realities of bribery and corruption in global business practices, emphasizing the challenges board members face in confronting these issues. Ultimately, he argues that addressing these uncomfortable truths is essential for the future of organizations and their leaders, as ignoring them can have dire consequences for both individuals and teams.

Takeaways

• 😀 The dark side of leadership involves issues that leaders prefer not to discuss, often referred to as the 'undiscussable'.
• 😀 Charismatic leaders can manipulate their followers, leading to negative consequences when charisma overshadows ethical leadership.
• 😀 A leader's legacy can drive decisions that prioritize personal reputation over business needs.
• 😀 Power dynamics within leadership can lead to problematic behaviors, including the desire to dominate and personal gratification.
• 😀 Corruption and bribery are prevalent in many global markets, complicating ethical leadership and decision-making.
• 😀 Board members often feel pressured to remain silent about unethical practices due to fear of repercussions.
• 😀 The BP crisis illustrates how leadership failures can result in scapegoating and a lack of accountability among top management.
• 😀 Discussing uncomfortable leadership issues is crucial to avoid damaging the organization and its people.
• 😀 Emotional responses often make discussing the dark side of leadership more challenging than other business problems.
• 😀 Proactively addressing the dark side of leadership can help prevent negative impacts on thousands of employees and the broader organization.

Q & A

What does Professor Andrew Kakabadse mean by the 'dark side of leadership'?

The dark side of leadership refers to the aspects of leadership that go wrong, including unaddressed issues and the manipulation of followers by charismatic leaders.

How does personality contribute to the dark side of leadership?

Personality influences the dark side through charisma that can turn manipulative, where leaders may prioritize their legacy or power over ethical decision-making.

What role does legacy play in leadership decisions according to Kakabadse?

Leaders may focus on their legacy, leading to decisions that prioritize personal remembrance rather than addressing immediate business challenges.

What are the two sides of the dark side of leadership mentioned by Kakabadse?

The two sides are personality issues and systemic problems, such as bribery and corruption.

How does the concept of 'transactional costs' relate to the dark side of leadership?

Transactional costs often involve bribery in various global contexts, which leaders may avoid discussing due to legal and ethical implications.

What challenges do board members face regarding unethical practices in leadership?

Board members may feel pressured to ignore unethical practices to avoid personal repercussions, such as legal consequences.

What example does Kakabadse use to illustrate the dark side of leadership?

He discusses BP and Tony Hayward's handling of the oil spill, questioning the board's accountability and decision-making processes.

Why is it difficult to talk about the dark side of leadership?

The dark side involves emotional and uncomfortable issues, making discussions about it more threatening and challenging.

What does Kakabadse suggest about the need to address the dark side of leadership?

He emphasizes that discussing the dark side is crucial to prevent leadership from damaging the futures of many individuals within organizations.

How can the repercussions of ignoring the dark side of leadership affect organizations?

Ignoring these issues can lead to significant harm to the organization and its employees, potentially compromising their futures.