Leadership Unhinged: Essays on the Ugly, the Bad, and the Weird

The recent rise of populist movements and dangerous leaders has prompted questions about the underlying conditions that give rise to such developments. Leadership Unhinged: Essays on the Ugly, the Bad, and the Weird examines the pathological leader-follower dynamics that generate such movements, using theories from psychoanalytic psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology. The book explores how effective leaders can bring people together and make them better, but when such a tone is absent or twisted toward the destructive, leadership becomes dangerous. Kets de Vries' new contribution puts us in a better position to fulfill the moral requirement of becoming fully conscious of the conditions that allow for the emergence of such leaders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 147 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The recent surge of populist movements across the globe, accompanied by often perilous and demagogic leaders, has sparked widespread concerns about the underlying factors that contribute to these troubling developments. In his book, Leadership Unhinged: Essays on the Ugly, the Bad, and the Weird, Kets de Vries delves into the deeper dynamics between leaders and followers, employing theories drawn from psychoanalytic psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology. Through these insightful essays, de Vries aims to unravel and expose the pathological leader-follower dynamics that fuel such movements.

Kets de Vries' unique analytical style, infused with elements of myth-making, fairy tales, and irony, enhances the impact of his conclusions and provokes new insights. He emphasizes that effective leaders possess the ability to unite people and enhance their well-being, suggesting that these leaders are driven by values and capable of setting a moral tone. However, when such a tone is absent or twisted toward destructive ends, leadership becomes perilous, as history has tragically demonstrated.

Recognizing the need to become fully conscious of the conditions that enable the emergence of unhinged leaders has become a moral imperative of our time. In his book, Kets de Vries offers a valuable contribution to this pursuit, providing a compelling and entertaining exploration of the topic. By offering insights into the complex interplay between leaders, followers, and societal dynamics, de Vries empowers us to better understand the forces that shape our world and take steps toward a more conscious and responsible leadership.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030793470
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021