Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: The Paradox of Personal Dysfunction, rev. ed.
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. Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership addresses this alarming problem and offers Christian leaders valuable guidance in dealing with the inherent risks of their work.
Using biblical and current examples, the authors describe the characteristics of five types of leaders and the problems they are most likely to have if their particular dysfunctions develop unrestrained. McIntosh and Rima offer a series of steps for leaders to consider so they can take control of their dark side and learn to harness its creative powers. This edition includes a new introduction, updated information throughout, a self-assessment tool, and more.
Perfect for students, pastors, church leaders, and laypeople alike, the Logos edition of this volume is fully searchable and easily accessible. Scripture passages link directly to your favorite Bible translation, and important theological concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of resources in your digital library.
- Discusses the “dark side” of leadership
- Offers guidance on how to deal with these ethical and moral issues
- Examines five types of leaders and how to deal with problems they’re most likely to face
- Part 1: Understanding Our Dark Side
- Blindsided by the Dark Side
- Danger on the Dark Side
- Company on the Dark Side
- Shedding Divine Light on the Dark Side
- How the Dark Side Develops
- Seafood, Pictionary, and the Dark Side
- Paradoxes of the Dark Side
- Part 2: Discovering Our Dark Side
- The Compulsive Leader
- The Narcissistic Leader
- The Paranoid Leader
- The Codependent Leader
- The Passive-Aggressive Leader
- Part 3: Redeeming Our Dark Side
- Overcoming the Dark Side
- Spiritual Composting
- Step 1: Acknowledge Your Dark Side
- Step 2: Examine the Past
- Step 3: Resist the Poison of Expectations
- Step 4: Practice Progressive Self-Knowledge
- Step 5: Understand Your Identity in Christ
Top Highlights
“1. The Gallup Strengths Finder See http://gmj.gallup.com/book_center/strengthsfinder” (Page 223)
“When we refuse to process in healthy ways feelings of insecurity, unhealthy codependence issues, feelings of personal shame, deeply sublimated anger or fear, or some combination of these or other issues, they will wreak havoc in our lives and leadership and eventually endanger ourselves and others.” (Page 40)
“In short any behavior that seems to overpower us, as well as any urge or motivation that seems to uncontrollably drive us, is a possible sign indicating the presence of our dark side.” (Page 71)
“Compulsive in a leadership context describes the need to maintain absolute order” (Page 105)
“This denial and repression along with the resulting emotional explosion are particularly common among religious leaders who feel the constant need to be in total control of their lives so they can minister effectively to others. Regardless of how sudden the explosion may seem, it has been in the making since childhood.” (Page 29)
Not all driving forces within a leader are positive. Becoming a strong leader requires not only the cultivation of God-given gifts, but the ability to overcome negative factors. I recommend Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership . . . to anyone striving to overcome obstacles in order to become a more effective leader.
—John C. Maxwell, founder, The INJOY Group
Gary and Sam give leaders permission to confront the darkest battles within in order to serve others in life-transforming ways. For all who are bold enough to embark on this courageous journey, redemption, restoration, and renewal will be your rewards.
—Stephen A. Macchia, founder and president, Leadership Transformations
One of the most important qualities an effective leader must possess is often the most lacking: self-awareness. Effective leaders are acutely self-aware, knowing not only their strengths but also their weaknesses—the dark side of those strengths. And without this self-awareness, many leaders crash and burn without realizing their full potential for the kingdom of God. In Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership, Gary McIntosh and Sam Rima have done a masterful job of helping leaders avoid the pitfalls that have consumed far too many leaders. This is a must-read for any leader who is serious about taking his or her leadership to the next level.
—Albert L. Winseman, principal, The Gallup Organization
Every leader has a ‘shadow’ side, like the dark side of the moon—areas that are disguised or explored and unrecognized. I am convinced that our leadership will be stronger and the dangers of collapse lesser if we become aware of these dark areas and bring them into the light early.
—Leighton Ford, president, Leighton Ford Ministries
There is no question in my mind of the practicality, relevancy, and usefulness of this book. I have a difficult time thinking who would not be helped by reading it; seminarians, pastors, and denominational and parachurch leaders would all benefit. . . . Anyone who is serious about being a good leader will be helped by this book.
—Robert Ricker, former president, Baptist General Conference
- Title: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures
- Authors: Gary L. McIntosh, Samuel D. Rima Sr.
- Edition: Revised Edition
- Publisher: Baker
- Print Publication Date: 2007
- Logos Release Date: 2013
- Pages: 256
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Christian leadership › Psychology
- ISBNs: 9781441256508, 9780801068355, 9780801090479, 1441256504, 0801068355, 0801090474
- Resource ID: LLS:OVRCMNGDRKSD
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:06:49Z
Gary L. McIntosh (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He leads seminars and has written 20 books, including Biblical Church Growth, Beyond the First Visit, and Taking Your Church to the Next Level.
Samuel D. Rima is director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Bethel Seminary, where he is also a faculty member in the Center for Transformational Leadership. He is the author of Rethinking the Successful Church.