Abstract
For the first decade of his career, Victor distinguished himself in the trade publishing industry as a stunningly creative and brilliant marketing talent. Described by one of his bosses as “scary smart,” he had been the catalytic force in the launching of several successful healthcare publications. Strategic, articulate, and a superb writer, he was poised for a corporate role but certain behavior problems got in the way.
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Notes
- 1.
The reader may be familiar with the word “unrequited” in the context of love relationships – love that is not reciprocated or returned by another, i.e., “unrequited love.” In this context of leadership types, the word unrequited is used to describe a lack of contentment with one’s work-related achievements. This sense of “unrequited work” can feed persistent feelings of career frustration or disappointment – even in the face of considerable accomplishments. In extreme cases, the feeling of unrequited work can result in a major depression.
- 2.
Some Perilous leaders stayed in privately held companies where their less positive behavior was tolerated or even excused in the face of their delivering good results. Others experienced a pattern of clashes in the workplace – especially with bosses – that resulted in a checkered work history.
- 3.
In this context, the author uses the term “inner demons” to refer to the relentless and/or haunting psychological issues that perpetuate negative self-talk, i.e., messages to the self that reinforce feelings of insecurity and inadequacy – messages that can prevent people from applying their intellectual and behavioral gifts in bolder and more innovative ways. These messages can also sabotage their chances for forming intimate and lasting love relationships and friendships.
End Notes
Maccoby, M. (2000). Narcissistic leaders: The incredible pros, the inevitable cons. Harvard Business Review, 78(1), 69–77.
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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
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Wasylyshyn, K.M. (2012). The Perilous Business Leader. In: Behind the Executive Door. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0376-0_3
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