This e-book contributes to the literature regarding the disturbing number of “white collar psychopaths” present within organisations today. It does so by outlining what the differences are in terms of the “psychological make-up” between a good, bad and downright ugly psychopathic leader, and why, when either recruiting, promoting or developing a leader, organisational decision makers still seem to choose authoritarian, controlling, and narcissistic individuals. These choices reflect a mind-set that sees business leadership as something tough and uncompromising, with no room for human sentiment or feeling.
In fact the evidence contradicts this notion, and is bolstered by the most recent research studies that show it is the “authentic and empathic leader” who is the most successful at bringing in both company profits whilst at the same time maintaining the mental health and well-being of its employees. Organisations enjoying such leadership have a reputation for integrity and trustworthiness reflected with a strong market position for its brand.
About the author
Dorothy Ann Spry MSc, is an Organisational Psychologist and the Managing Director of True North Leaders, a psychological insights consultancy consisting of a team of Organisational, Health, and Consumer Psychologists. All of our psychologists are qualified to British Psychological Society standards, and are specifically trained to work within organisational settings.
Dorothy has actively been involved in the development of a suite of organisational climate surveys called Image Pro (Marlow and Spry 2016), which provides an organisation with a “temperature reading”. This establishes the likely causes of, amongst other symptoms, poor productivity, low morale and increases in staff turnover. The surveys uncover the hidden drivers of poorly adjusted organisational behaviour such as bullying, toxic leadership behaviours, gender, age and racial stereotyping, and other antisocial, anti-team building behaviours.
She has authored numerous business management books and research articles on topics such as: Psychometric Testing; Emotional Intelligence; Anger Management and Authentic Leadership coaching. In 2007, she won the UK national training award for her contribution towards learning and development interventions within organisational settings.