The Dark Side

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

“Sometimes the dark side of leadership eclipses the bright side – to the detriment of both the leader and the organization.” – Jay Conger

There are many paradoxes in Leadership.  One paradox is that a leader’s personal strengths – the abilities that have brought a leader success – can (if left unchecked) contribute to an eventual failure in their leadership.  Research has shown that the qualities that propel an individual to leadership success have often been the issues that catalyzed a significant failure in that person’s leadership. 

So, what is the “dark side?”  The dark side is grounded in the inner urges, compulsions, and dysfunctions of our personality that often go unexamined, or remain unknown to us, until some type of emotional experience or trauma is experienced. 

Our dark side can be exasperated by various personal issues, including

:
• Our insecurities
• Feelings of inferiority
• Our need for approval

As a leader, here is what you should know:

• Characteristics that drive people to lead and succeed often have a “dark side” that is capable of crippling them.
• Every leader/person suffers from some degree of personal dysfunction.
• Many leaders are not aware how their dysfunctions influence and drive them.
• Because dysfunctions can channel themselves into ambitions, our dysfunctions can often go undetected until it is too late.
• Learning about their dark side can enable leaders to address and prevent (or at least mitigate) their potential negative effects.

Writing about Abraham Lincoln, author Donald Phillips writes, “Unlike many leaders, Lincoln was painfully aware of his dark side and took proactive steps to prevent it from sabotaging his leadership.”  Lincoln understood that for any person to successfully lead others, he or she must understand that leading, at times, can bring out the worst in us.

So how do we master our dark side?  Well, in many ways, mastering our dark side is nothing more than using good common sense.

First

, one needs to admit they do have dark tendencies, and then take time to adequately discern what they are – and understand how they tend to manifest themselves.

Second

, understand that our past

does

impact our present – and therefore we need to examine our past with the purpose of understanding ourselves better.  One begins by recalling the events that (for whatever reason) have significantly shaped our life and have left an indelible mark.  The Bible teaches, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” Once we have taken the time to admit how certain events have left an unhealthy shadow, we can then start down (many times with the help of others) a path of healing and personal freedom.

Finally

, we need to practice progressive self-knowledge and discipline.  Self-knowledge is best attained by opening ourselves to the scrutiny of others, seeking feedback regarding how our dark side may be rearing its ugly head.  Self-discipline (coupled with accountability) is then developed to keep our unhealthy appetites under control.  For example, Lincoln helped manage his anger by writing long letters to vent his anger and emotion – which he generally never sent.

Challenge

: Do you know, and are you managing, your dark tendencies as a leader?  Would others say you know, and are managing, these tendencies?