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Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: The Paradox of Personal Dysfunction
The Christian world has been rocked by the number of prominent leaders, in both church and parachurch organizations, who have been compromised by moral, ethical, and theological failures. Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership addresses this alarming problem and offers Christian leaders valuable guidance in dealing with the inherent risks of their work.
Using biblical and current examples, the authors describe the characteristics of five types of leaders and the problems they are most likely to have if their particular dysfunctions develop unrestrained. McIntosh and Rima offer a series of steps for leaders to consider so they can take control of their dark side and learn to harness its creative powers. This edition includes a new introduction, updated information throughout, a self-assessment tool, and more.
Using biblical and current examples, the authors describe the characteristics of five types of leaders and the problems they are most likely to have if their particular dysfunctions develop unrestrained. McIntosh and Rima offer a series of steps for leaders to consider so they can take control of their dark side and learn to harness its creative powers. This edition includes a new introduction, updated information throughout, a self-assessment tool, and more.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 1, 2012
This book is solid, though there is far too much of a bent towards psychoanalyzing biblical figures, as well as a muted Christian theology that feels weak in certain places.
Weaknesses:
I can offer my criticisms first. Straight off, there is the muted doctrine of sin that prefers to see each of us as suffering from tendencies--resulting from past traumas, childhood issues, and our spiritual values--that sway towards the Dark Side (their term). I caught a hint of geeky pride over constantly talking about everyone....turning to the Darrrrkkk Sideeee!! (*robot breathing sound).
But their treatment of these sinful tendencies is double-edged: on the one hand, they take sin as a universal principle of human nature. We all have it, we all suffer from it. On the other hand, they mute the doctrine of sin so severely it comes off sounding oddly Pelagian (by which I mean the historic teachings of Pelagius, not the modern contextualization of "Pelagianism"). Though we all suffer from sin, and sin affects our leadership and ministries, there is a sense in which sin is not as dire as the scriptures suggest. Indeed, there is virtually no Gospel message to counter our sin--the most they provide is a tacked on final chapter about understanding our "place in Christ". More often, the advice is to just fight our sinful tendencies and, essentially, do so by our own strength.
Moreover, I found it needless to go hunting through scripture for biblical "types" of poor leadership. I do not need to hear that Moses showed tendencies of "compulsive leadership" or that Solomon was "narcissistic" as a leader, or that Saul was a "paranoid leader". While some of these insights are true, it forces the reader to see biblical figures as allegorical figures, whom we shoe-horn into our own world without any clear hermeneutic. Why not just discuss the ravages of sin IN GENERAL as it is taught throughout scripture? Is sin less sinful if there is no typology that conforms to our modern understanding of psychological maladies?
If you combine both of these criticisms you can now observe the worst howler in the entire book: the allegorical interpretation of Adam's fall as an example of the dark side of leadership. One should ask: how is Adam guilty of sinful ('dark side') modes of leadership in the run up to the Fall itself? And do we really want to see the spiritual rebellion of God's creation in the Headship of Adam as a failure in leadership, per se?
I'll throw in one last critique: I found the authors dwelt far to long on the salacious and scandalous stories of American presidents (all Democrats, I noticed) and, more disturbingly, the financial and sexual failings of Jim Bakker and Jim Swaggert. I'm fine with getting heavy about ethical problems and the private life of pastors, driven very often, as they are, by egomania and lust. But I do feel the book would've been more balanced with the more frequent forms of sinful leadership, since nearly every reader is not running an international ministry or a global superpower. Unlike JFK, I did not witness my father having sex with Hollywood starlets on our private yacht. I just can't see how his case study truly gains me insight into my own heart.
Strengths:
The stuff on "types" of sinful leadership is worth the price of the entire book. (My hunch is this is the backbone of the book, to which the authors added the other chapters.) I found that, once the biblical and theological issues were set aside, and the authors turned to these issues, they began to shine.
Here it now, people: I am a sinner, suffering from dark sides of my leadership makeup...
According to the book, I veer towards "Narcissistic" leadership--that is, the tendency to read all of my accomplishments through the lens of what I "don't yet have". Once diagnosed, I found this chapter remarkably insightful and helpful for me: how I tend to view co-workers as "things" that either support and disrupt my own sense of self worth rather than people whom I can build up; how I tend to be ashamed of my blue-collar background and relatively meager education as an adolescent; and how that shame drives me to never feel secure or confident in the successes I have currently, but instead press me forward looking for more affirmation. Good tonic.
Weaknesses:
I can offer my criticisms first. Straight off, there is the muted doctrine of sin that prefers to see each of us as suffering from tendencies--resulting from past traumas, childhood issues, and our spiritual values--that sway towards the Dark Side (their term). I caught a hint of geeky pride over constantly talking about everyone....turning to the Darrrrkkk Sideeee!! (*robot breathing sound).
But their treatment of these sinful tendencies is double-edged: on the one hand, they take sin as a universal principle of human nature. We all have it, we all suffer from it. On the other hand, they mute the doctrine of sin so severely it comes off sounding oddly Pelagian (by which I mean the historic teachings of Pelagius, not the modern contextualization of "Pelagianism"). Though we all suffer from sin, and sin affects our leadership and ministries, there is a sense in which sin is not as dire as the scriptures suggest. Indeed, there is virtually no Gospel message to counter our sin--the most they provide is a tacked on final chapter about understanding our "place in Christ". More often, the advice is to just fight our sinful tendencies and, essentially, do so by our own strength.
Moreover, I found it needless to go hunting through scripture for biblical "types" of poor leadership. I do not need to hear that Moses showed tendencies of "compulsive leadership" or that Solomon was "narcissistic" as a leader, or that Saul was a "paranoid leader". While some of these insights are true, it forces the reader to see biblical figures as allegorical figures, whom we shoe-horn into our own world without any clear hermeneutic. Why not just discuss the ravages of sin IN GENERAL as it is taught throughout scripture? Is sin less sinful if there is no typology that conforms to our modern understanding of psychological maladies?
If you combine both of these criticisms you can now observe the worst howler in the entire book: the allegorical interpretation of Adam's fall as an example of the dark side of leadership. One should ask: how is Adam guilty of sinful ('dark side') modes of leadership in the run up to the Fall itself? And do we really want to see the spiritual rebellion of God's creation in the Headship of Adam as a failure in leadership, per se?
I'll throw in one last critique: I found the authors dwelt far to long on the salacious and scandalous stories of American presidents (all Democrats, I noticed) and, more disturbingly, the financial and sexual failings of Jim Bakker and Jim Swaggert. I'm fine with getting heavy about ethical problems and the private life of pastors, driven very often, as they are, by egomania and lust. But I do feel the book would've been more balanced with the more frequent forms of sinful leadership, since nearly every reader is not running an international ministry or a global superpower. Unlike JFK, I did not witness my father having sex with Hollywood starlets on our private yacht. I just can't see how his case study truly gains me insight into my own heart.
Strengths:
The stuff on "types" of sinful leadership is worth the price of the entire book. (My hunch is this is the backbone of the book, to which the authors added the other chapters.) I found that, once the biblical and theological issues were set aside, and the authors turned to these issues, they began to shine.
Here it now, people: I am a sinner, suffering from dark sides of my leadership makeup...
According to the book, I veer towards "Narcissistic" leadership--that is, the tendency to read all of my accomplishments through the lens of what I "don't yet have". Once diagnosed, I found this chapter remarkably insightful and helpful for me: how I tend to view co-workers as "things" that either support and disrupt my own sense of self worth rather than people whom I can build up; how I tend to be ashamed of my blue-collar background and relatively meager education as an adolescent; and how that shame drives me to never feel secure or confident in the successes I have currently, but instead press me forward looking for more affirmation. Good tonic.
May 16, 2015
This book is a must-read for leaders, especially those involved in Church leadership and para-church organizations. The author delves into the effects of the negative aspects of a person's dark side. He also encourages the leader to develop strengths from those weak areas. Additionally, the appendices provide tools for implementing positive change and accountability practices. The flow of the book is consistent as it draws from biblical and current examples along with information concerning major areas of dysfunction in one's life. This is definitely a four star, excellent material. My five stars are few and reserved for profound and/or classic.
July 25, 2011
An amazing book on the paradox of your personality in leading others. Premise of the book: As you lead through your strengths, these same strengths can be your greatest weaknesses, or "dark sides." So what do you do? McIntosh provides insights in redeeming the dark sides in Christ and through introspective work as well as the power of the Holy Spirit, you can become a more complete leader in Christ.
This is a book every leader should read.
This is a book every leader should read.
July 22, 2013
A good book that explains how our strengths can be our weaknesses. Using famous examples the author illustrates what the problems of being compulsive, narcissistic, paranoid, codependent, and passive-aggressive can look like.
Pretty much anyone can relate to one of these, and the book offers a good opportunity for self-reflection and some tools for dealing with our issues.
Pretty much anyone can relate to one of these, and the book offers a good opportunity for self-reflection and some tools for dealing with our issues.
May 12, 2013
Fluff fluff fluff....Here is the book in summary: Everyone has a dark side, even leaders. Sometimes we bottle up negative feelings then this shows in a blow-up or lapse of morals. The book primarily focuses on leaders in the church.
December 2, 2016
While it's not a total treatment of our dark side, I found it to be very helpful for beginning an important journey toward more and better strength and freedom. Self-knowledge is very difficult but the emphasis here is that the difficulty can lead to freedom.
February 10, 2014
This book is a must read for anyone involved in leadership.
November 10, 2017
While the book is a little uneven, the review of unhealthy leadership traits is good and the tools are helpful.
December 14, 2020
This was a good book. I didnt really enjoy it. I felt it was a very purposeful book in the sense that it was for people that feel that are susceptible to abusing power. I am not saying we can't learn from it but I think you have to go into the book looking for this type of guidance.
There were a lot of Christain based examples, both from the bible and from society but I felt they were shallow or forced. There was not a lot of real-life or nonpastor example so I found it a little hard to relate.
Some good quotes:
1- To have, so it would seem, is a normal function of our life: in order to live we must have things. Moreover, we must have things in order to enjoy them. In a culture in which the supreme goal is to have—and to have more and more—and in which one can speak of someone as “being worth a million dollars,” how can there be an alternative between having and being? On the contrary, it would seem that the very essence of being is having; that if one has nothing, one is nothing.
2-“However, because ambition is easily disguised in Christian circles and couched in spiritual language (the need to fulfill the Great Commission and expand the church), the dysfunctions that drive Christian leaders often go undetected and unchallenged until it is too late.”
3-“The majority of tragically fallen Christian leaders during the past ten to fifteen years have been baby boomers who felt driven to achieve and succeed in an increasingly competitive and demanding church environment. Most often their ambition has been a subtle and dangerous combination of their own dysfunctional personal needs and a certain measure of altruistic desire to expand the kingdom of God. However, because ambition is easily disguised in Christian circles and couched in spiritual language (the need to fulfill the Great Commission and expand the church), the dysfunctions that drive Christian leaders often go undetected and unchallenged until it is too late.”
There were a lot of Christain based examples, both from the bible and from society but I felt they were shallow or forced. There was not a lot of real-life or nonpastor example so I found it a little hard to relate.
Some good quotes:
1- To have, so it would seem, is a normal function of our life: in order to live we must have things. Moreover, we must have things in order to enjoy them. In a culture in which the supreme goal is to have—and to have more and more—and in which one can speak of someone as “being worth a million dollars,” how can there be an alternative between having and being? On the contrary, it would seem that the very essence of being is having; that if one has nothing, one is nothing.
2-“However, because ambition is easily disguised in Christian circles and couched in spiritual language (the need to fulfill the Great Commission and expand the church), the dysfunctions that drive Christian leaders often go undetected and unchallenged until it is too late.”
3-“The majority of tragically fallen Christian leaders during the past ten to fifteen years have been baby boomers who felt driven to achieve and succeed in an increasingly competitive and demanding church environment. Most often their ambition has been a subtle and dangerous combination of their own dysfunctional personal needs and a certain measure of altruistic desire to expand the kingdom of God. However, because ambition is easily disguised in Christian circles and couched in spiritual language (the need to fulfill the Great Commission and expand the church), the dysfunctions that drive Christian leaders often go undetected and unchallenged until it is too late.”
December 6, 2024
Another solid textbook of personal introspection and leadership development. The premise of the book: We all have dark sides that, if they are not recognized, addressed, and submitted to God, will paralyze our potential and eventually crush us under a weight we were not intended to carry. Using biblical figures like Moses, Solomon, and Saul, McIntosh warns us against being compulsive, narcissistic, or paranoid leaders. He gives us a number of useful tools for understanding our dark sides while simultaneously providing us steps to take control of our dark sides and use them for our good rather than our downfall.
I don't think the book is perfect. There's a lot of focus (maybe too much) on case studies of historical figures who either gave into or adequately addressed their dark sides. A lot of stories become allegories or archetypes instead of real people with real stories. Nevertheless, this is a helpful book that is already helping me to empathize more with the people I lead and will likely be a book I refer back to often in the future.
I don't think the book is perfect. There's a lot of focus (maybe too much) on case studies of historical figures who either gave into or adequately addressed their dark sides. A lot of stories become allegories or archetypes instead of real people with real stories. Nevertheless, this is a helpful book that is already helping me to empathize more with the people I lead and will likely be a book I refer back to often in the future.
September 20, 2023
This book hurts so good. Don't read it if you're not ready to have your mail read, to have the past come bite your butt, to take a "fearless moral inventory," as they say. But if you're in a position of leadership, this is a good, a necessary read. If you're new to leadership, don't wait! Read it now!
I want to give this book to everyone I know because it's so eye-opening and relevant... but it's such a harsh reality that I would want to make sure they know I also love them and that the reason I want to give it to them is because it's been so revolutionary in my own life.
If this book lacks anything, I would say that it focuses longer and harder on the dark side than on overcoming it. I really was hoping for a more in-depth, personalized step-by-step on how each of the dark sides could grow in their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
But over-all, an excellent read that any and everyone in leadership should read.
I want to give this book to everyone I know because it's so eye-opening and relevant... but it's such a harsh reality that I would want to make sure they know I also love them and that the reason I want to give it to them is because it's been so revolutionary in my own life.
If this book lacks anything, I would say that it focuses longer and harder on the dark side than on overcoming it. I really was hoping for a more in-depth, personalized step-by-step on how each of the dark sides could grow in their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
But over-all, an excellent read that any and everyone in leadership should read.
January 3, 2018
We all have a "dark side." Knowing the dangers associated with it and taking responsibility will prevent it from destroying the leader’s ministry. Overcoming the dark side is a process in which leaders do not seek to eliminate these parts of their personality, but to allow God to transform them into good, useful tools for ministry. Those in ministry carry the expectation of having the answers and confidence to lead well, and therefore will often refuse to acknowledge any insecurity or shortcoming, leading to the stress of hiding feelings and problems from those around them. While confronting and learning to manage the dark side can be difficult, McIntosh states, the result will prevent much more destruction in the long-run. He offers 5 practical steps for understanding and transformation, while focusing on reliance on God.
January 15, 2020
I feel Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership is a must-read for all leaders, teachers, and parents. It is vital to any leader’s career or ministry that he or she is able to overcome the dark side of their personality if they are going to be effective in what God has called them to do. I would recommend this book personally to anyone who is considering working in ministry. The church today is facing a leadership crisis. Leaders are using their positions to advance their own selfish goals. Christian leaders in every denomination are threatening the fabric of the Church of Jesus Christ. The Body of Christ is suffering because of the leaders who are leading are not allowing God to lead them. They are being led by their dark side. This book encourages leaders to deal openly, directly, and biblically with their dark side.
I am re-reading this book.
I am re-reading this book.
May 23, 2017
This book is really a good reflection upon leaders who have failed in ministry, yet, it can help people understand why and how this occurred. If one likes being honest first with themselves then this can be a personal reflection a way to grow into maturity spiritually. I found this a wonder book and feel many should at least take time to explore and understand how the sinful nature operates and what one can do to see the reality of life. Do not be afraid to face those things that many people are in denial or have assumptions about life. This will be an on going way to reflect and meditate on a daily basis of how the soul needs the Holy Spirit.
August 18, 2018
Great book on our darker leadership tendencies. There are many examples of leadership gone haywire and examples of those who have overcome their negative leadership leanings. This book includes a section on evaluating our own leadership style and how to overcome our weaknesses in our leadership styles.
I went through the book with a high school aged leadership team. Even though they were not familiar with all the people mentioned in the book, they found the book to be helpful. We had a great discussions and the students are now on the lookout for their own "dark side."
I went through the book with a high school aged leadership team. Even though they were not familiar with all the people mentioned in the book, they found the book to be helpful. We had a great discussions and the students are now on the lookout for their own "dark side."
September 1, 2019
This book has some helpful content, but left me wanting a little. The anecdotes felt a little too 'cut and paste', and though the authors central theme was a valid and important one, at times I felt they were over-reaching in order to confirm their hypothesis. i.e. interpreting anything and everything that goes wrong with leaders as a manifestation of a construct they (the authors) invented. This being said, I was personally challenged to think about my own dark side, how it affects my own leadership and how to negate/manage that so I'm glad for the read.
February 9, 2020
Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership is a must-read for any Pastor or leader within the church. We all have a side of us we hide from others. All our closets are filled with skeletons. McIntosh & Rima give applicable tools of how to discover and conquer this dark side of leadership and our souls. With spiritual leaders falling from grace daily we need to analyze and prevent more from happening. This book does just that through openness, transparency and humility. Again, a must-read for anyone in Ministry or seeking to enter the Ministry.
May 23, 2017
This is an incredible way to look at oneself in reflection. It does give accounts of leaders as examples to show their dysfunctions as leaders. This gives value to oneself when in leadership positions to examine the dark side or what I know it as: Sin nature. It will help to pull oneself out of their dark side into reality only if one is open-minded. I think this should be recommended for those who are serious about their Christianity.
March 13, 2025
The most helpful part of the book for me was the 5 Profiles of Leadership Styles that emerge from a leader’s dark side. This book is not only a great warning and diagnostic for the dark side that every leaders has, but also provides counsel towards the cure. It’s a very timely book as leadership failures litter the church. This book answers the questions of why is this so; and what can we do about it? I highly recommend.
June 15, 2017
An easy to read book on leadership. Several good points, practical and has a self-assessment guide wherein you'll know your "dark side" tendencies. Part 3 of the book also offers help on overcoming negative tendencies. Though sometimes it feels force-fitting Bible characters into certain archetypes of dysfunction. Still, it's a good reading especially if you're holding any leadership position.
August 29, 2018
I ate this book. One of the best I've read on leadership. It goes to the core of your weaknesses, and helps you see the benefit of dealing with them. Everyone has a dark side, and it's going to some degree be with us for the rest of our lives. But can we identify it, then we can overcome it so it does not control us or limits us. Eye opening, yet helpful and encouraging.
April 18, 2022
Brings up the idea that your dark side can produce successfull results for a period of time. Ultimately it will bring you to sin and devastation. The writers talked about several ways to avoid these negative impacts of the dark side which comes down to basic counseling techniques and self care. It's worth a read if you are dealing with leadership issues.
September 15, 2022
Great Read
This book was an easy read and packed with information. I loved the examples of the different leadership personalities as shown through historical and biblical characters. This book and relevant and applicable to anyone in leadership who wants to avoid the pitfalls of others who have not examined their dark side.
This book was an easy read and packed with information. I loved the examples of the different leadership personalities as shown through historical and biblical characters. This book and relevant and applicable to anyone in leadership who wants to avoid the pitfalls of others who have not examined their dark side.
August 22, 2017
The principles applied are excellent. This book does get a little sense with the constant assessment of other people in leadership and their failures and successes, but I do think having illustrations and life stories provided instead of simply bringing forward the concept was helpful.
September 6, 2017
McIntosh and Rima provide a timely and crucial illumination of the negative aspects of positive characteristics and then outline a path for redemption of these characteristics. Highly recommended, especially for all leaders.
July 2, 2018
Required reading
While there wasn’t much here I haven’t come across before I say that after over a quarter of a century of ministry. I would make this required reading for up and coming Christian leaders if I could.
While there wasn’t much here I haven’t come across before I say that after over a quarter of a century of ministry. I would make this required reading for up and coming Christian leaders if I could.
September 18, 2020
This book had a great insight to begin: that the areas of our greatest strength often hide our most dangerous weaknesses. From there though, the book didn’t really take off. There were some helpful and interesting stories, but nothing earth-shattering. It did have a lot of insight around your upbringing and family of origin and how that develops your dark side. Overall be attentive to your sinful tendencies and invite accountability into them.
October 28, 2021
Reality checker
The book calls one to admit the dark side, understand it and redeem it. The personality types addressed and the process to overcome are a good start for facing your shadow, blind spot or dark side.
The book calls one to admit the dark side, understand it and redeem it. The personality types addressed and the process to overcome are a good start for facing your shadow, blind spot or dark side.
February 5, 2024
Pretty basic Christian leadership book, if you’ve had any experience or read (or listened to) about leadership already most of this book will feel quite redundant. Was also was not a big fan of the repetitive and general use of “dark side” language instead of just calling it sin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews