History is strewn with examples of failed leadership. The bookends for these stories, we contend, are abusive power and control (tyranny) on one end and me ] (narcissism) on the other. Tyranny gives us such notables as Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Nero and Ivan the Terrible. Narcissism gives us Bernard Maddoff, Enron, Jim Bakker, Henry the 8th, and Louis the 14th.
With so many examples of failed leadership, why have we not learned our lesson? Why do we keep repeating our mistakes? The answer lies in human nature. Some people lust for power and control over others, and if the truth be told,...