Dispelling some common myths about leadership

Many books on leadership enumerate the qualities of good leaders, e.g. visionary, charismatic, decisive, convincing, etc. Experts generally offer advice on how to develop these qualities, inspired by great leaders like Martin Luther King, Winston Churchill, Jack Welch or Lee Iacocca.

“The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership” contributes an original perspective. The author shares his ideas on leadership, drawn from years of management teaching and practical leadership experience. He invites readers to question the reality behind the qualities often attributed to leaders. Based upon his own personal experience, as well as that of great leaders and philosophical theories, he suggests challenging accepted clichés and reflecting more deeply on the issue of leadership.

Among the ideas proposed by the author, the following seemed particularly relevant:

– Good leaders are not always decisive; they must avoid making decisions too soon

– Leaders must maintain their intellectual independence while listening attentively to other points of view.

– Leaders must sometimes compromise on moral precepts. The principles of Machiavelli’s “The Prince” are helpful in resolving some dilemmas.

– Leaders must view their role as helping their lieutenants do a better job.