The Dark Side of Leadership (working title) seeks to help readers find their dark side, map it, and use it without being possessed by it. In particular, this book tries to aid readers form a tension with their dark side, which makes them the type of leaders that can change the world while withstanding the pressures of people who don’t want the world to change.
Several factors inspired this study:
1. The realization that there are three types of leaders, and one of these types is exceptionally rare and effective. The first are the “Jimmy Carters” (a reference to his days in the White House). With great respect for the former president, he didn’t seem to have a dark side, and as a result, was a wimpy leader. The second are the “Eliot Spitzers.” With less respect to the former New York governor, some people are possessed by their dark side, taking actions that look insane in the light of public scrutiny. But until their “fall,” this second group appears strong and bold—far more effective than the first type. After the fall, they are never trusted again. The third type are those who tap energy from their dark side, while never succumbing to its temptation. One who has found this sweet spot, but not always stayed there, was Steve Jobs. This third group comes across as having gravitas and higher aspirations—once in a generation leaders.
2. Most of the leadership material suggests that people give themselves over to higher aspirations—pure values and a noble cause. As the lead writer for Tribal Leadership, I’ll take the blame for sending that message—it was, at best, incomplete. This advice, taken alone produces “hippy”-like people who are often taken out by politics.
3. For people who have read Tribal Leadership, one of the questions we often get is, “where does the selfish energy of ‘I’m great’ go as groups advance to ‘we’re great’ and ‘life is great’?” The answer is that no energy is ever lost. It changes form but never dissipates, and it is not magically converted into optimism and selflessness. So where does it go? Part of the answer is that it remains “dark.” This single fact produces new pathways to create the highest-level cultures and effectiveness.
4. The realization that people good at politics can destroy an effort based in Tribal Leadership or The Three Laws of Performance. Great leaders need to stand against these onslaughts, outmaneuvering politics and actions of people who seek to end organization and world-changing efforts.
5. In interviews with very prominent people, every single one has described the destruction that comes with fame and quick fortune. Most say that they would never wish these “blessings” on others. And yet the fact remains that these individuals make huge contributions, and somehow stand against the self-destruction of their fame.
6. Great talent happens in the lives of people with large dark sides. While dealing with the darkness of addiction, suicidal tendencies, etc., these individuals often produce art that teaches us all about the range of human experience.
I hope you’ll decide to be a part of the Dark Side adventure. It’s taken a tribe to get this far. Will take a tribe to make it good. Will take a great tribe to make it great.
About Dave Logan
Dave is co-author of four books including, Tribal Leadership, a New York Times bestseller, and The Three Laws of Performance, a USAToday bestseller. Dave is co-founder of CultureSync, a firm that increases performance by aligning strategy and workplace culture through proven research. Since 1996, he has been a faculty member at the USC Marshall School of Business (including former associate dean of executive education), teaching leadership in the top-ranked Executive MBA, and helping to launch the Master of Medical Management. He has given keynotes and lectures all over the world, including to Fortune 100 companies, major universities, governments, and large not-for-profits. He holds a PhD from the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California. He lives in Los Angeles with his family and two cats, including The Dude.
Please also visit www.davelogan.com
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the material. The world and life are Ying and and Yang. We need to understand and be able to live with and navigate both. Drink from both cups so to speak. I’d like to share my Dark Side with you as input, and also to get your perspective. I was a former CEO, who had risen to the very top, and this Dark side brought me down. I mean way down. About as low as you can go. I can see how applying Tribal Leadership concepts would have most probably prevented my crash. From what I am reading so far, your new book will pretty much explain a major part if not all of my story.
I found this short article very interesting. Have a dark past myself, I have known that overcoming it, and yet realizing it’ll never be gone, has spurred me to become a better person that I could have otherwise. I found this article very encouraging, and validating to that which I’ve known. Thank you for writing this.
Secondly, this article mentions a study. What is the study about? Where can I learn more about the study.
Best Wishes,
Stephen
I forgot to mention, I’m looking forward to reading the book when it is finished. This is something I’ve known in my subconscious, but never heard before. Although I realize that it is written about leadership, it also helps validate those who have had to overcome their dark pasts. This should help a lot of people, even those who are not leaders. Thanks,
Stephen
Interesting title. I like the idea that energy is neither created nor destroyed, but morphs, changes appearance. I think U-Theory (www.ottoscharmer.com) offers some good perspective on ‘The Voice of Judgment, Voice of Cynicism and Voice of Fear’ that you might peruse.
I also like to think of the transition and transformation from Stage 1 to Stage 5 is less dark and more light (eg process of enlightenment and lightening up). This is related to being trapped or locked into particular perspectives (First Law: performance and action are correlated to how the world occurs for people), or not (being free to engage, openness).
Good luck with the book, and I’m looking forward to a good read!
This sounds like its introducing a pragmatism that is perhaps missing in people with ‘noble causes’ who fall prey to the idea that if their intentions are ‘good’ or ‘pure’ it will work out. If you want to make a difference, though, you have to be smart and effective….Good intentions may get you nowhere. This kind of reminds of Norman Mailer’s Manicheism – forces of good and evil in continual struggle.
Thank you for taking this on David. After 27 years of working inside of many transformational models, the existence of this side has gotten clearer and clearer. As a priestess of ancient spiritual practices, the dance with the dark side can unveil incredible breakthroughs. In not looking at this or what others call the inauthentic side of ourselves, we cannot fully move forward with success that truly sticks and transforms a future. I am excited to see what you assessments and research unfold.