Business Leadership: A Jossey-Bass Reader

Chapter 35. A Survival Guide for Leaders

Ronald A. Heifetz

Marty Linsky

Think of the top executives in recent years who, after periods of considerable success, have crashed and burned. Or think of individuals in less prominent positions, perhaps people spearheading significant change initiatives in their organizations, who have suddenly found themselves out of a job. Think about yourself. In exercising leadership, have you ever been removed or pushed aside?

Let's face it, to lead is to live dangerously. While leadership is often depicted as an exciting and glamorous endeavor, one in which you inspire others to follow you through good times and bad, such a portrayal ignores leadership's dark side: the inevitable attempts to take you out of the game. ...