Thanks Daniel for this great review! Only having read your summary of the text, I have to say that I understand Jeffrey Pfeffer's points, but that I do not think I want leaders like that.
His points seem all very power-driven and when imagine a person following his advice to the fullest I see an opportunistic individual, applying favoritism amongst his allies, which creates rivalry amongst them, who is self-centered, and does not adhere to norms and values. I was especially surprised by the suggestion to react with anger. That seems to me rather ignorant and the total opposite of owning mistakes.
However, as with every leadership theory it is a question of balance. Probably everybody can benefit of sprinkles of rule-breaking here and some display of power there. Thank you for this thought provoker!
Agree, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and I was taken back when I read the book. But: he backs it up with some of the social science. The way I take it: first know what works (at least most of the time, as things are), then re-shape reality
Thanks Daniel for this great review! Only having read your summary of the text, I have to say that I understand Jeffrey Pfeffer's points, but that I do not think I want leaders like that.
His points seem all very power-driven and when imagine a person following his advice to the fullest I see an opportunistic individual, applying favoritism amongst his allies, which creates rivalry amongst them, who is self-centered, and does not adhere to norms and values. I was especially surprised by the suggestion to react with anger. That seems to me rather ignorant and the total opposite of owning mistakes.
However, as with every leadership theory it is a question of balance. Probably everybody can benefit of sprinkles of rule-breaking here and some display of power there. Thank you for this thought provoker!
- Konstantin
Agree, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and I was taken back when I read the book. But: he backs it up with some of the social science. The way I take it: first know what works (at least most of the time, as things are), then re-shape reality