In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Barbara Kellerman, a renowned expert in leadership, Harvard Kennedy School Professor, and a prolific author. Kellerman's latest book, Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers, serves as the focal point of this discussion. With decades of research and a unique perspective on the dynamics of leadership, Kellerman challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on often-overlooked aspects of leadership and followership.

From the outset, Kellerman captivates with her critical examination of why the leadership industry tends to ignore the darker sides of leadership. She goes into the complex interplay between leaders and followers, emphasizing that bad leadership is seldom the result of one individual's actions alone. Her insights into the roles of enablers and the broader context within which leaders operate offer a fresh and necessary perspective for today's CEOs and senior executives.

Kellerman's engaging anecdotes and examples, ranging from corporate boardrooms to political arenas, illustrate the intricate dance between power, authority, and influence. She highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics to navigate the increasingly complex leadership landscape effectively. 

The conversation also explores the diminishing power and authority of leaders in modern organizations, replaced by the need to master influence. Kellerman offers actionable insights on how leaders can cultivate this skill by deeply understanding their followers and the contexts in which they operate. This episode is not just a discussion; it is a masterclass in rethinking leadership in the 21st century.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why the leadership industry often avoids discussing bad leadership and the implications of this oversight.
• Hear how understanding the role of followers is crucial in holding leaders accountable and driving positive change.
• Discover the importance of examining the entire leadership system, including enablers and context, to truly understand leadership failures.
• Understand why leadership cannot be reduced to a few simple lessons and the importance of lifelong learning in leadership development.
• Explore the diminishing authority of leaders and the rising importance of influence in effective leadership today.
• Gain insights into the challenges of leading in a world where power dynamics have drastically shifted due to cultural and technological changes.
• Find out how leaders can balance accessibility and authority to maintain effective leadership.
• Learn about the critical role of followership in both enabling and challenging bad leadership.
• Discover strategies for creating an organizational culture that supports transparency and accountability in leadership.
• Hear examples of how successful leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership environments.

Connect with Barbara Kellerman

Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers 

Barbara Kellerman Website 

Barbara Kellerman LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website