Bad Leadership
How is Saddam Hussein like Tony Blair? Or Kenneth Lay like Lou Gerstner? Answer: They are, or were, leaders. Many would argue that tyrants, corrupt CEOs, and other abusers of power and authority are not leaders at all–at least not as the word is currently used. But, according to Barbara Kellerman, this assumption is dangerously naive. A provocative departure from conventional thinking, Bad Leadership compels us to see leadership in its entirety. Kellerman argues that the dark side of leadership–from rigidity and callousness to corruption and cruelty–is not an aberration. Barbara Kellerman is research director of the Center for Public Leadership and a lecturer in public policy at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University (source: http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu).
The following films feature characters that have attributes in line with Kellerman’s different types of Bad Leadership.
Incompetent Leadership – the leader and at least some followers lack the will or skill (or both) to sustain effective action. With regard to at least one leadership challenge, they do not create positive change (p. 40).
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Office (Pilot/Diversity), Austin Powers, Zoolander, and The Princess Bride.
Rigid Leadership – the leader and at least some followers are stiff and unyielding. Although they may be competent they are unable or unwilling to adapt to new ideas, new information, or changing times (p. 41).
- Kicking and Screaming, Thirteen Days, The Office (Pilot/Diversity), The Gangs of New York, A Few Good Men, Gladiator, Star Trek II, Notorious, Crimson Tide, The Queen and, Nixon.
Intemperate Leadership – the leader lacks self-control and is aided by followers who are unwilling or unable to effectively intervene (p. 42).
- A Clockwork Orange, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Royal Tenenbaums, Bamboozled, The Gangs of New York, Evita, A Few Good Men, Gladiator, Wall Street, Swimming with Sharks, Star Trek II, Superman, Schindler’s List and Crimson Tide.
Callous Leadership – the leader and at least some followers are uncaring or unkind. Ignored or discounted are the needs, wants, and wishes of most members of the group or organization, especially subordinates (p. 43).
- Kicking and Screaming, Bamboozled, The Last Samurai, The Gangs of New York, A Few Good Men, Gladiator, Wall Street, Star Trek II, Superman, King Kong, Schindler’s List, Reservoir Dogs, Swimming with Sharks, The Devil Wears Prada, and True Colors.
Corrupt Leadership – the leader and at least some followers lie, cheat or steal. To a degree that exceeds the norm, they put self-interest ahead of the public interest (p. 44).
- The Majestic, The Gangs of New York, L.A. Confidential, Evita, Training Day, Wall Street, Zoolander, Star Trek II, King Kong, Nixon, and True Colors
Insular Leadership – the leader and at least some followers minimize or disregard the health and welfare of “the other” – that is, those outside the group or organization for which they are directly responsible (p. 45).
- Gandhi, Thirteen Days, Bamboozled, The Gangs of New York, A Few Good Men, Schindler’s List, Roger & Me, Crimson Tide, Swimming with Sharks and Nixon.
Evil Leadership – the leader and at least some followers commit atrocities. They use pain as an instrument of power. The harm done to men, women, and children is severe rather than slight. The harm can be physical, psychological or both (p. 46).
