David Noer, the Frank S. Holt Jr. Professor of Business Leadership in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, had his monthly column published April 26, 2009, by the News & Record in Greensboro, N.C.
‘The Barney Fife Leadership Syndrome’ comments on the effects of letting personal issues and affronts influence questionable leadership decisions. He specifically comments on the firing of the Greensboro city manager and the micromanagement by two Guilford County commissioners in recent affairs.
From the column:
“The syndrome is alive and well in the Greensboro City Council and the Guilford County Board of Commissioners. It involves the inappropriate use of power and influence in order to serve the personal agendas of those who wield it rather than for the greater good. It is a mark of poor leadership and is triggered by insecurities, inexperience and blind spots resulting from a lack of self-awareness. It is harmful to both the organizational system and, ultimately, to the personal growth and development of the perpetrating individual.”
To read the full column, click on the link to the right of this page under the E-Cast banner.