My apologies if the title of this blog sounds a little Star-wars-ish.  Reggie McNeal closes out his discussion of this first of seven disciplines for spiritual leaders by asserting that “all leaders have a dark side, because every human being struggles with dysfunction to some degree” (p. 29).

There are leaders who are Compulsive.  They try to control everything, in part because they believe that every aspect of the organization they lead is a reflection upon them personally.  Outwardly they may appear “together” but their inward lives are in turmoil.

Narcissistic leaders often have grand plans yet suffer from low self-esteem.  Others’ achievements threaten them while their own successes are never enough to satisfy their drivenness.

A third type of dark-side leader is the one who is Paranoid.  They are suspicious of others, guarded in their relationships, often jealous of gifted people.  They might use unusually methods to stay informed in effort to maintain their leadership.

Codependent leaders easily find themselves consumed and controlled by the cares and needs of others.  Their schedules are out of control and personal boundaries are not well managed.  They are attracted to helping others as the means by which to meet their own inner needs.

The last category is Passive-Aggressive leaders.  They have the tendency of resisting the demands of others by procrastinating, being stubborn or being forgetful.  They may blame others for lack of support, but if they receive support they might complain of others interfering.

As I reflect on my own leadership I don’t think I fall fully into one camp (if I did I am not sure I would admit it!).  However, depending on the situation I can see a tendency to be a “control freak” or to think it should be “more about me” or to blur boundaries because helping others makes me feel good.

What about you?  Anyone dare to share?

Link to other postings about Practicing Greatness by Reggie McNeal.