Destructive leaders stubbornly rely on what worked for them in the past. When they find their company in decline, they revert to what they regard as tried-and-true methods. They do not consider how much the environment has changed. Instead of considering a range of options that fit the new circumstances, these leaders point to their past successes as the only point to reference. They cling to past “defining moments” – - what they are best known for and makes them special. They become unable to learn because they have learned one particular lesson too well.
Charismatic Dominance
Destructive leaders are consummate spokespersons, obsessed with the company image. They regularly display their remarkable charisma before the media. Their public persona inspires confidence amongst all employees and stakeholders. The problem is amongst the addictive accolades, their management efforts become shallow and ineffective disguised by the appearance of accomplishing things. The line between talking good performance and demonstrating same becomes blurred. Devotion to public relations leaves little time to attend to the critical details of the business. Further, as the company’s image becomes their top priority these leaders encourage financial reporting practices that promote that image. Financial accounting becomes a control tool. The culture becomes one of the entire company supporting public relations.
All Ahead Full
Destructive leaders underestimate obstacles. Typically they become so enamored with their vision of what they want to achieve, they completely underestimate the difficulty of actually getting there. When the real obstacles surface, they recklessly plunge full steam ahead into the abyss. Awesome expansion is rammed forward amidst a sea of bright red ink. They fail to hold back or reevaluate their course of action often because of an enormous need to be right in every important decision they make. Admitting to fallibility is not an option but believing in their own magic is. Recognizing that escalating commitment is getting out of hand becomes impossible. Courage in the face of adversity can be most devastating, and in fact, foolhardy.