Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: The Paradox of Personal Dysfunction

by Samuel D. Rima and Gary L. McIntosh

Book Overview

The Christian world has been rocked by the number of prominent leaders, in both church and parachurch organizations, who have been compromised by moral, ethical, and theological failures. This... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801090474
• Release Date: March 1998
• Publisher: Baker Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

An opportunity for leaders

McIntosh and Rima have provided an opportunity for every leader to discover their dark side - that hidden part of their personality that may explain their drive to lead. They explain that our motivations may come from the desire to satisfy unmet needs and existential debts, and that significant experiences may cause us to have particularly strong drives that never seem to get satisfied. These strong drives may push us beyond outstanding leadership, to leadership failure that negatively affects others as well as ourselves if we do not recognize, harness, and transform our drives. It is a process of discovery, of bringing what is hidden into the light of awareness and understanding. Finally, we can overcome our dark side through God's grace and a new understanding of our identity and value that does not depend on performance and achievement, freeing and transforming our leadership. A very worthwhile read, especially, if one takes the journey of self-discovery in the process.

Confronting Latent Failures While Becoming an Effective Leader

In this revised edition of "Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership" authors, Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima reflect on what they have experienced and observed in Christian leadership during the ten years since the first edition was first published. Gary and Sam both share from the conflict in their own personal experiences which brought them to a place of recognizing their personal dysfunction and the importance of taking proactive steps in their journey of self discovery, healing and fulfillment.. Part one of the book helps the reader understand more fully what the dark side of personality is and how it develops. Part two deals with discovery of the dark side of leadership the reader may be dealing with personally. Part three discusses overcoming the dark side and offers a five-step plan for accomplishing this. Additional chapters have been included to cover topics such as: The dangers of the dark side, and the process of spiritual composting. The appendix has been expanded by adding a section to help the reader identify their dark side. Examples from the failures of Biblical and contemporary Christian leaders are used to illustrate various dysfunctions in the leadership styles of the compulsive leader, the narcissistic leader, the paranoid leader, the codependent leader, and the passive-aggressive leader. I found the "targeting insights," and "applying insights" featured at the end of each chapter to be practical and helpful tools for self discovery. This edition of "Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership" has a new subtitle which offers new help to the reader, "How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures. By melding relevant and significant information with proactive steps for today's Christian leaders, Gary L. McIntosh and Samuel D. Rima help their readers avoid the risks and consequences of making untimely devastating decisions that would taint the effectiveness of their personal testimony and the reputations of the Christian church.

Rev. Darth Vader?

As I was working on an MA at Southeastern University-Lakeland, FL, I was asked to read this book as part of a class on "Leadership Development". You've heard this a million times: "This is a must read book." Well, it is! I can honestly tell you that as a pastor, this was a wonderful read and allowed me to instrospectively analyze my leadership style. I really enjoyed the fact that McIntosh did not just outline the leadership styles but he cited Biblical and secular examples to prove his point. This makes for a really good sermon series on Leadership. Just a few weeks ago, one of our high profile leaders was exposed for his darkside. What I really appreciated from Dr. McIntosh's observation was the fact that we cannot deny that we have a dark side... it's called the sin nature. We will wrestle with this until that day when we are called home. Paul struggled with it, and we can't deny that we all struggle with it. If you are a pastor, read this book, get it into the hands of your younger staff, if you are a church member, I really think that you pastor will appreciate this insightful, easy to read tome.

Must-Read for Every Pastor or Pastoral Supporter!

I've reviewed many books here, and seldom do I say that one is a must-read for every pastor. This title however, falls into that category. Not only is it of enormous benefit to pastors, but it will be very helpful in granting insight to others who want to understand better the enormous challenges we face and the dark side we all possess. For pastors, this book is eye-opening in asserting that all of us must deal with a dark side in one form or another. For people supportive of us, this volume takes us off any super-human pedestal (we never really belonged there in the first place). It does so by providing insight into our very unique humanity that we too often deny. This book is the first of its kind, and hopefully not the last. It is well worth the small investment required to purchase and the short time required to read.

Protect Yourself From Moral Failure

Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership is a sobering account of what can happen when we refuse to allow God to deal with our inner being.Indeed, with the moral failures we have seen in the ministry, business, and politics, anyone can benefit from this book. Among the important points the authors cover include:1. Characteristics of particular types of leadership personalities.2. Denying our dark side is dangerous to us and those around us.3. Examining our past should serve not to assign blame to others, but to understand the influences in our lives and allow God to help us overcome those influences.4. Beware of unrealistic expectations! (yours or others).5. The importance of a daily quiet time and periodic retreats.6. Our position in Christ is much more important than our position on earth.7. No one is immune from the dark side.8. Pride, selfishness, and self-deception are some of the tendencies that relate to our dark side.Definitely a recommended read for anyone in a position of leadership or anyone who perceives the need to honestly examine their lives before God.