Exploring the prevalence and consequences of bad leadership with insights from author Barbara Kellerman. Analyzing the Kate Middleton crisis and its implications for brands. Discussing ethical considerations in leadership and the importance of cyber preparedness. Delving into modern communication dynamics and brand authenticity.
Address bad leadership early to prevent further deterioration.
Effective brand communication requires transparency and authenticity to navigate public scrutiny.
Deep dives
Identifying Bad Leadership
The podcast episode delves into the concept of bad leadership and the consequences of letting it persist unchecked. Barbara Kellerman, author of multiple books on bad leadership, emphasizes the importance of addressing bad leadership early to prevent further deterioration. She highlights the lack of focus in the leadership industry on stopping bad leaders and stresses the significance of taking action sooner rather than later to avoid escalating problems.
Examples of Bad Leadership
The episode discusses specific examples of bad leadership, including a focus on Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos. Barbara Kellerman points out how Holmes' unethical actions led to the collapse of her company, indicating that fraudulent behavior aligns with being a bad leader. The podcast also touches on the complexities of identifying bad leadership, such as in the case of former President Trump and current leaders like Elon Musk, who exhibit a mix of positive and negative traits.
Brand Communication and Crisis Management
Drawing parallels to brand communication and crisis management, the podcast explores the challenges faced by organizations like the UK royal family and companies such as Daily Harvest. It emphasizes the importance of direct and timely communication with consumers, especially in the age of social media scrutiny. Discussing the role of authenticity in brand communication, the episode underscores the need for companies to engage openly and transparently to regain trust and navigate public scrutiny effectively.
Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. Barbara Kellerman, Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership, discusses her book Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When the Bad Festers. Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Beth Kowitt talks about her story The Kate Middleton Mess Should Terrify Brands. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.