A634.3.5.RB - The Harder They Fall

Social psychologist Roderick M. Kramer asks the question that many people want the answer too, “Why do so many outstanding leaders --display remarkable adeptness and ability while courting power, only to engage in even more remarkable bouts of folly once that power has been secured? (Kramer, 2003).  Kramer points to a winner-take-all mindset where performers expect everything but end up with nothing.  He offers justifications for this winner- take-all mindset:

- The players in winner-take-all must be extraordinarily aggressive about the risks.

- Winner-take-all individuals have the understanding that rules are for fools.

- If you are not willing to take the risk, chose a boring, safe, conservative career.

In today’s business community, risk taking and rule breaking are becoming the norm.  This is also considered a trait that various organizations look for in business leaders.  This includes everything from Fortune 500 companies to multibillion dollar sports teams.  Traits such as modesty and humility are losing their value when it comes to identifying good leadership. 

This is a sore subject with me as I have been counseled by my boss for my directness and honesty.  I struggle with the fact that some people are willing to sacrifice their ethical code.  I often wonder what happened to honesty, hard work, dedication, and doing what is right.  I often thought these traits would assist with my career aspirations in the federal government.  I was wrong.  Don’t get me wrong, I know how to “play the game” as Kramer would call it; however, I just have a hard time going against my personal ethics.  What would my kids think of me if they knew I went against everything I taught them?  What would my dear deceased mom think if I no longer practiced everything she taught me just to climb the ladder of success?  As the Bible says in Matthew 16:26, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul…?” 

The temptation for success and increased personal power are numerous; however, there has to be a degree of personal accountability for our actions.  I feel it is important to understand that there is no one making a person seeks such aggressive career moves.  This is a choice you make and with that being said, you must live with the consequences.  Individuals like celebrities (Justin Bieber, Lindsay Lohan), politicians (Anthony Weiner and John Edwards), sports figures (Lance Armstrong, Jose Conseco), and business executives (Bernie Madoff, Kenneth Lay) all knew the risk they were taking on the way to the top.  The problem is they forgot how far down it was to the ground. 

  

Reference:

 Kramer, R. M. (2003). The Harder They Fall. (cover story). Harvard Business Review, 81(10), 58-66