| Title: |
THE HARDER THEY FALL. (cover story) |
| Authors: |
Kramer, Roderick M.1 |
| Source: |
Harvard Business Review. Oct2003, Vol. 81 Issue 10, p58-66. 9p. 4 Color Photographs. |
| Subject Terms: |
*LEADERSHIP; *EXECUTIVES' conduct of life; *LEADERS; *CHIEF executive officers; *RISK-taking behavior; *BUSINESS; *MANAGEMENT; *EMPLOYEES; SOCIAL psychology research; PSYCHOLOGY |
| Company/Entity: |
ENRON Corp. 006970404 ENE; TYCO International Ltd. TYC; WORLDCOM Inc. 152035432 |
| Abstract: |
The past decade may well be remembered as the era of the high-flying, aggressive leader. Corner-office titans like Kenneth Lay, Dennis Kozlowski, and Bernard Ebbers graced the covers of business magazines. They captured the public's fascination with their bold business moves and charismatic sound bites. Then scandal set it, and the stars fell to earth. In this article, social psychologist Roderick M. Kramer asks an important question: Why do so many leaders - not just in business, but also in politics, religion, and the media--display remarkable adeptness and ability while courting power, only to engage in even more remarkable bouts of folly once that power has been secured? Kramer, who has spent most of his career researching how leaders get to the top, says there is something about the process of becoming a leader that changes people in profound ways. The systems through which we select our leaders force executives to sacrifice the attitudes and behaviors that are essential to their surpluses once they have reached the top. Society has learned to consider risk taking and rule breaking as markers of good leadership. As a result, CEOs and other leaders lack the modesty and prudence needed to cope with the rewards and trappings of power. They come to believe that normal limits don't apply to them and that they are entitled to any spoils they can seize. The leaders who do remain grounded--who get to the top and stay there--exhibit five common psychological and behavioral habits: They simply life their lives, remaining humble and "awfully ordinary." They shine a light on their weaknesses instead of trying to cover them up. They float trial balloons to uncover the truth and prepare for the unexpected. They sweat th small stuff. And they reflect more, not less. INSET: Studying Leaders' Recklessness and Folly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| : |
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| Database: |
Business Source Premier |