Harnessing Strategic Intelligence for Sustainable Success
“All people, especially leaders, need a healthy dose of narcissism—it’s the engine that drives leadership.” ~ Manfred Kets de Vries
In the world of business leadership, the debate continues between championing bold innovators or warning against the pitfalls of celebrity CEOs whose careers mirror infamous failures like those at Enron and Tyco. While obsessive leaders excel at cost control and process optimization, productive narcissists aim to revolutionize the way we work and live. So, which leadership approach is optimal for your organization?
The answer lies in context. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, creative energy and passion are more essential than ever. According to Michael Maccoby, author of “Narcissistic Leaders: Who Succeeds and Who Fails,” the key factor separating successful visionary leaders from their less successful counterparts is strategic intelligence.
Understanding Strategic Intelligence
Consider renowned leaders like Steve Jobs, Jack Welch, Bill Gates, and Herb Kelleher, the dynamic pioneer behind Southwest Airlines. These figures crafted disciplined management styles by collaborating with operational managers who executed their strategic visions. Visionary leaders like these, who succeed as productive narcissists, are guided by strategic intelligence. Creativity and inventive ideas alone cannot carry an organization to new heights.
Leading an innovative organization involves assembling a talented and ethical team that creates customer, employee, and shareholder value within a robust socioeconomic system. Nonetheless, many companies, including those with reputations for innovation, remain hesitant to hire or elevate narcissistic leaders. Despite advocating for independent thought and creativity, they often prefer obsessive types who enforce company policies and strive for conformity.
Promotion opportunities are scarce for high-performing, creatively inclined visionaries who may not fit the “team player” mold. Most narcissists don’t naturally blend with others unless they possess strategic intelligence and understand what drives sustainable company success.
With the guidance of executive coaching, some creative visionaries can develop the strategic intelligence needed to advance their careers and lead effectively. This process involves enhancing self-awareness, crafting visionary strategies, and understanding socio-economic dynamics that influence organizational growth.
The Role of Executive Coaching
Executive coaching can equip visionary leaders with tools to navigate career pathways that emphasize strategic intelligence. By focusing on attitude shifts and habit transformations, coaching can draw out latent leadership abilities and refine creative instincts. This cultivation allows leaders to thrive while maintaining strategic alignment with organizational goals.
Your Perspective Matters
What do you believe is the role of leadership personality in driving a company’s success? Can strategic intelligence be cultivated to transform creative visionaries into effective leaders? Share your thoughts on how leadership development can foster sustainable growth and innovation in your organization.
Creator of the KASHBOX: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Habits
Helping You Realize Your Potential
I help people discover their potential, expand and develop the skills and attitudes necessary to achieve a higher degree of personal and professional success and create a plan that enables them to balance the profit motives of their business with the personal motives of their lives.
