David Noer, a professor emeritus in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, had his monthly column published July 5, 2009, by the News & Record in Greensboro, N.C.
The column, “Dumb actions, flawed perspectives stain legacies,” explores how smart leaders can act to sabotage their legacy. Noer used the Mary Easley saga at N.C. State University, plus some other public figures such as former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, as illustrations.
From the column:
“Of course, no one is perfect. We are all susceptible to flawed perspectives and dumb actions. However, through being open to feedback from others we can revise, temper or alter our perspectives. We can develop the capacity for reflection and the discipline for self-regulation before taking self-defeating actions. This is central to responsible adulthood.
“Leaders also should surround themselves with advisers who are comfortable telling them what they need to hear, not what they always want to hear. Someone they trust to help protect them from themselves.”
To read the full article, click on the link to the right under the E-Cast section.