Similarities and Differences of the Dark Side in Leadership

Transformational leaders versus leaders who have gone to the dark side.

Similarities: Bold, Imaginative, Diligent

Differences: Dark side Characteristics: (disengages followers, lacks individual considerations, builds mistrust in the organization, and disempowers their followers).

Distrustful of followers and seeks signs of disloyalty

Lacks concern for followers

Poor communicators and withdrawn

Requires admiration from followers

Erratic decision-making causes followers to question their agendas

Does not make decisions and lacks follow thru

Cannot build a team spirit with followers

Does not credit followers

Perfectionist

Arrogant

Emotional

Skeptical

Desires being the center of attention

Unethical and feels they do not have to follow the rules

Disempowers their followers

Jones, M. (2011).http://www.josseybassbusiness.com/2011/03/dark-side-personality-traits-as-performance-predictors-from-author-david-p-jones.html

Transformational Leadership Characteristics: (engages their followers, shows individual consideration, builds trust within the organization, engages the organization, and moves their followers forward).

Trustful

Shows genuine concern for followers

Accessible to followers

Acquires admiration from followers

Loyalty from followers

Respect from followers

Creates a shared vision

Delegates to followers

Makes decisions and takes action

Maintains confidentiality

Develops and coaches followers

Gives credit to followers

Optimistic

Emphasize values

Ethical

Empower followers

McDonough, M. (2010, May 20). Four Major Characteristics of Transformational Leadership. Bright Hub. Retrieved April 21, 2014, from http://www.brighthub.com/office/home/articles/71743.aspx