Managing Leadership^®

They are convinced of their immense attractiveness, their irresistible leadership qualities. When they turn on the charm, there is nothing for it but for the rest of us to virtually swoon in admiration. We will be captivated, swept away in the intensity of their magnetism.

So sure of this are they that they take all available evidence as verification of our adoration of them. If we defer to their lead, it is only to be expected. After all, that is the way life has been ordered. There is little or no awareness of the degree of enthusiasm or indifference – even reluctance – that may characterize compliance. It is simply explained in one way or another – energetic, humble, dim but awe-struck – as due deference.

And resistance? Ah, resistance! The coy challenge, demanding more, secretly thrilling at the prospect of the display. Well, they have more, to be sure, and will joyfully offer exhibitions of this capability, demonstrations of that charisma, endless protestations of their passion – it doesn’t really matter for what, as long as it might help win you over.

That’s all humorous enough, if you think about it. But the hilarity really ensues when we fall for it, when the stupefying gall they exhibit dulls our common sense enough to allow us to become convinced that there must really be something there, some shared view of the world, a compelling reason to join our fates in goofy docility to theirs.

But eventually the odor will out. We learn that it is all self-delusion, that one so enamored of his or her own special capabilities can barely see beyond that all-consuming self-absorption, or comprehend anything that is not disastrously distorted through its lens.

Over and over again, they strut about, seducing us with their crude displays of grotesquely comical sophistication and charm. Then everything falls down, and us with it. Over and over again. In one industry, and then in another. In one aspect of our daily lives, and then in a different one.

As long as we want to believe that they really are one of us, and that that stench of doom is a harbinger of what they will save us from, rather than of what they will bring down around our ears, we will find ourselves complicit in the tragicomedy. Not so funny, after all.

Tomorrow, we’re going to review a book that has something to say about the siren songs we thrill to as we run our ships ashore. We will learn why so many of them, however wonderfully sung by however charming a singer, really do just stink.

Next week, we’ll turn to a discussion of how we interact – at work as managers and employees, and in society as self-interested actors and consumers. Please do join us.

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Today’s tip: Maybe it’s time to take a walk in the park for some fresh air and perspective. Ever wonder why that seems to be so refreshing, to recharge your energy and productivity? Please see this PsyBlog article to learn why and how it does this, and more.

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