Comments on: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:54:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Stephen P. Drake http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-181 Stephen P. Drake Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:20:51 +0000 http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-181 McIntosh and Rima might claim that my generally negative response to their book originates within my own `dark side', and to their credit they have led me to (again) reflect on my own critical tendencies. However, after acknowledging a general impatience with this literary genre, there is much to criticize in this text. Even assuming that the target reader is educated in basic theology, the disregard shown by the authors for some basic principles is surprising. <br /> <br />For instance, McIntosh and Rima fail to distinguish (or to even seriously address) dysfunctional behavior versus sin. Certainly all psychological dysfunction is a result of a fallen creation, but one can persuasively argue that sin is a more particular subset of dysfunction involving moral failure. In their many real life examples the authors treat moral failures and more general socio-psychological maladjustments equally as illustrations of their thesis. It seems implicit in their point of view that "nurture" plays a far greater role than "nature" - perhaps this is due to the fact that there would be no useful action to recommend if the real issue is fallen human nature, save to recognize God as our only hope. Of course, that would result in a very different text, of lesser current demand than leadership books. If one analogizes the authors' chosen thesis as a hammer, then every human failure looks like a nail. <br /> <br />Biblical characters do not escape the authors' speculative analysis. Moses, Solomon, and Saul of Tarsus all exhibit presumed dark sides that lead to their various failures. At best such examples do not advance the authors' point: at worst they are reminiscent of liberal theology's attacks on scripture. Aside from the rather scant evidence cited in those examples, if we continue the applications to other biblical characters the weakness of such conclusions becomes more apparent. For instance, did the failure of Adam and Eve before the Fall result from a dark side? Was Judas acting out of some unacknowledged need for control? What about Jesus' displays of temper? Since there are plenty of modern examples of moral failures and general bad behavior in among God's people, one wishes that they had left these cases alone. <br /> <br />Concluding on a more positive note, the chapter questions and appendices contain useful tools and exercises to aid in personal reflection. Such tools are value neutral and can be used to good effect. Given that God is sovereign and chooses to work through fallen human beings (and their methods), these tools can help identify areas that need attention. My own cynical approach to this kind of book may be one immediate case in point. <br /> Rating: 2 / 5 McIntosh and Rima might claim that my generally negative response to their book originates within my own `dark side’, and to their credit they have led me to (again) reflect on my own critical tendencies. However, after acknowledging a general impatience with this literary genre, there is much to criticize in this text. Even assuming that the target reader is educated in basic theology, the disregard shown by the authors for some basic principles is surprising.

For instance, McIntosh and Rima fail to distinguish (or to even seriously address) dysfunctional behavior versus sin. Certainly all psychological dysfunction is a result of a fallen creation, but one can persuasively argue that sin is a more particular subset of dysfunction involving moral failure. In their many real life examples the authors treat moral failures and more general socio-psychological maladjustments equally as illustrations of their thesis. It seems implicit in their point of view that “nurture” plays a far greater role than “nature” – perhaps this is due to the fact that there would be no useful action to recommend if the real issue is fallen human nature, save to recognize God as our only hope. Of course, that would result in a very different text, of lesser current demand than leadership books. If one analogizes the authors’ chosen thesis as a hammer, then every human failure looks like a nail.

Biblical characters do not escape the authors’ speculative analysis. Moses, Solomon, and Saul of Tarsus all exhibit presumed dark sides that lead to their various failures. At best such examples do not advance the authors’ point: at worst they are reminiscent of liberal theology’s attacks on scripture. Aside from the rather scant evidence cited in those examples, if we continue the applications to other biblical characters the weakness of such conclusions becomes more apparent. For instance, did the failure of Adam and Eve before the Fall result from a dark side? Was Judas acting out of some unacknowledged need for control? What about Jesus’ displays of temper? Since there are plenty of modern examples of moral failures and general bad behavior in among God’s people, one wishes that they had left these cases alone.

Concluding on a more positive note, the chapter questions and appendices contain useful tools and exercises to aid in personal reflection. Such tools are value neutral and can be used to good effect. Given that God is sovereign and chooses to work through fallen human beings (and their methods), these tools can help identify areas that need attention. My own cynical approach to this kind of book may be one immediate case in point.

Rating: 2 / 5

]]> By: L. Macaria http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-180 L. Macaria Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:20:01 +0000 http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-180 McIntosh and Rima have provided an opportunity for every leader to discover their dark side - that hidden part of their personality that may explain their drive to lead. <br /> <br />They explain that our motivations may come from the desire to satisfy unmet needs and existential debts, and that significant experiences may cause us to have particularly strong drives that never seem to get satisfied. These strong drives may push us beyond outstanding leadership, to leadership failure that negatively affects others as well as ourselves if we do not recognize, harness, and transform our drives. It is a process of discovery, of bringing what is hidden into the light of awareness and understanding. Finally, we can overcome our dark side through God's grace and a new understanding of our identity and value that does not depend on performance and achievement, freeing and transforming our leadership. <br /> <br />A very worthwhile read, especially, if one takes the journey of self-discovery in the process. Rating: 4 / 5 McIntosh and Rima have provided an opportunity for every leader to discover their dark side – that hidden part of their personality that may explain their drive to lead.

They explain that our motivations may come from the desire to satisfy unmet needs and existential debts, and that significant experiences may cause us to have particularly strong drives that never seem to get satisfied. These strong drives may push us beyond outstanding leadership, to leadership failure that negatively affects others as well as ourselves if we do not recognize, harness, and transform our drives. It is a process of discovery, of bringing what is hidden into the light of awareness and understanding. Finally, we can overcome our dark side through God’s grace and a new understanding of our identity and value that does not depend on performance and achievement, freeing and transforming our leadership.

A very worthwhile read, especially, if one takes the journey of self-discovery in the process.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> By: Noah Angel http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-179 Noah Angel Wed, 21 Apr 2010 05:29:03 +0000 http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-179 I am a student at the doctoral level and Dr. McIntosh book was a required text. It really hit home, I could not stop reading until almost half way, It was a forced break. It is easy to read, and put me face to face with my dark side. As a plus Dr. McIntosh was a guess professor at my seminary, and I had the opportunity to have lunch with him, and have him sign my book. It was an uplifting experience hear him to share how he overcame his dark side. <br />Noah Angel <br />Jefferson City, Mo. Rating: 4 / 5 I am a student at the doctoral level and Dr. McIntosh book was a required text. It really hit home, I could not stop reading until almost half way, It was a forced break. It is easy to read, and put me face to face with my dark side. As a plus Dr. McIntosh was a guess professor at my seminary, and I had the opportunity to have lunch with him, and have him sign my book. It was an uplifting experience hear him to share how he overcame his dark side.

Noah Angel

Jefferson City, Mo.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> By: Joel Comiskey http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-178 Joel Comiskey Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:23:10 +0000 http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-178 I was very impressed with this book. it was extremely well written. The stories were not superficial but real, detailed, and hard-hitting. I highly recommend it. I was impressed with how the authors revealed their own dark sides in the beginning. <br />One reviewer laments the lack of "sin" language when describing the "dark side" and there is a measure of truth to this analysis (as well as the lack of talk of demonic activity). HOWEVER, I attribute this to the author's focus. In other words, great authors and great books focus on particular themes. This great book focused on the inner psychological sides that unknowingly drive all of us--often because of past hurt. These issues are part of the FALL OF MAN, and I feel the authors clearly articulated that. Rating: 5 / 5 I was very impressed with this book. it was extremely well written. The stories were not superficial but real, detailed, and hard-hitting. I highly recommend it. I was impressed with how the authors revealed their own dark sides in the beginning.

One reviewer laments the lack of “sin” language when describing the “dark side” and there is a measure of truth to this analysis (as well as the lack of talk of demonic activity). HOWEVER, I attribute this to the author’s focus. In other words, great authors and great books focus on particular themes. This great book focused on the inner psychological sides that unknowingly drive all of us–often because of past hurt. These issues are part of the FALL OF MAN, and I feel the authors clearly articulated that.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> By: Pamela H. King http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-177 Pamela H. King Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:47:16 +0000 http://www.pandin.org/41-overcoming-the-dark-side-of-leadership-how-to-become-an-effective-leader-by-confronting-potential-failures.html#comment-177 In a day when TV is full of junk sit coms and reality shows, this DVD series is a breath of fresh air. It is truly funny and entertaining. Something your kids can watch without your constant monitoring. Excellent picture quality and a good buy for the buck! Rating: 5 / 5 In a day when TV is full of junk sit coms and reality shows, this DVD series is a breath of fresh air. It is truly funny and entertaining. Something your kids can watch without your constant monitoring. Excellent picture quality and a good buy for the buck!
Rating: 5 / 5

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