Dr. Maccoby participates in a Weekly Forum on Washington Post.com called "On Leadership". I am compiling all of his responses to the weekly questions here.
|
DATE: Secretive or Successful? Steve Jobs' insistence on keeping his recent liver transplant a secret is the latest example of an leadership style that seems to violate all the rules in the leadership textbook. Yet there is no doubt he has been tremendous successful as Apple's chief executive. Is Jobs the exception that proves -- or disproves -- the rules of good leadership? |
A Productive Narcissist
Steve Jobs is one of the most creative business leaders of our time. His products combining technological innovation with beauty of design are a gift that keeps giving. But he is not a good model for others to imitate.
Who would want to follow a leader who is often insulting to his subordinates, who uses people only as long as he needs them and then discards them, and who demands that they are on call at all hours? Some people would and do, because Jobs creates great products that change people's lives and those who can stand him are inspired by him and can also make a lot of money. Steve Jobs is unique, but he resembles other leaders who want to change the world. I call them productive narcissists and in my book, "Narcissistic Leaders," I describe how they differ from the more respectful, conscientious and self-effacing leaders who are good at cutting costs and improving productivity, but who are not innovative entrepreneurs.
Narcissistic leaders often crash and burn because they bend the rules until they break. Or their grandiosity alienates others. Jobs was once fired from Apple, but when he returned, he learned from his failure and partnered with Tim Cook, a COO with the people skills Jobs lacks. I think those of us who have benefited from his genius wish him well.
BY MICHAEL MACCOBY
| TMG Home | PTWC | Articles | Books | Contact Info | Comments |
This web site is being maintained by Maria