The Not So Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly
What NOT to Do to Be an Effective Leader
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
The Not So Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly:
What NOT to Do to Be an Effective Leader
Book Preview (858027, Dr. Joey Beeson)
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While the inspiration for this book started as a cathartic and therapeutic activity, I quickly realized in conversations with other leaders from a variety of contexts that many in leadership positions (and many not in these positions) have experienced the not-so-good, the bad, and the downright ugly in the workplace. Most of us have likely been hurt, burned, and mistreated. Potentially, you have been a part of the giving end versus only the receiving end of bad leadership.
Sadly, bad leaders are everywhere. Yes, some leaders are bad because they intentionally, for whatever reason or reasons, seem to be thrilled by ruining the lives of others for their gain. Some leaders are bad because they are narcissistic and only care about themselves and what "I do." Some leaders are bad because they have poor interpersonal skills or have little to no self-efficacy. Some leaders are bad because they do not care about the people working for them; they only care about the bottom line and results. Some leaders are bad because they intentionally choose to be unteachable or receive constructive criticism from others about improving.
From a Biblical perspective, we are flawed, imperfect, messed up, in need of change and redemption, and have fallen short of God's glory and standard (Romans 3:23). Scripture teaches the very core of who we are is depraved, self-seeking, discontented, and yes, whether we like to admit it or not, evil. Even amidst the heart change available through knowing Christ, we still have old-self tendencies, habits, routines, and proclivities that can easily creep up and entangle our souls. These old tendencies can even make the best of Christians end up being bad leaders. Some of us have worked for nonbelievers who have mistreated us, and it should not surprise us that they do not lead like Christ because they do not know Christ. They have not undergone the extraordinary heart change that can and should change how they view others and themselves. Then, we may have to admit another grim reality – some of us have sadly worked for believers, or at least so-called believers (or Christians in name only) who treated us worse than nonbelievers. These experiences are not only damaging to us, but the reputation of God's kingdom and the name of Christ are marred as a result of their poor leadership.
This book is not a revenge tour, though there may be reasons for it to be so. Instead, in a lighthearted way, and at times in some heavyhearted ways, this book has collected and provided principles and stories of what to do to avoid being an ineffective, bad leader. The book draws upon history, Scripture, and personal experiences by offering insights into what to avoid or not do if you want to be a great leader.
Sadly, many who will read this book realize they, too, have experienced in part or whole what is captured in the following pages. Take heart, dear reader – you are not alone in what you have experienced, and rather than make this book a comparison activity of whether you have experienced worse situations with leadership or not, look for the learning opportunities contained within each chapter and contributed story. Though we may struggle (past, present, and future) in our employment for many reasons, experience can be a great teacher, even when it is a negative experience. If nothing else, we learn what not to do. Or, when we observe or experience someone in leadership do something destructive, we say and commit to practice that I will never do that when I have opportunities to lead others.
Each story in this book is based on authentic experiences. Some contributions to the book were a sentence or two, and some were much longer; however, again, the intent is not to throw people directly under the bus, so great care has been taken to protect the identity of individuals and specific companies. Pseudonyms are intentionally used. Company and organization names are omitted, too.
Time is spent reviewing the characteristics of an effective, godly leader, and the voices and perspectives of Scripture are intentionally considered. Then, this book shifts to situations, responses to prompts, and personal stories. The stories shared in this book will no doubt show the negative characteristics of leaders, but you will note that the stories are organized among five leadership characters listed below.
1. The Vile Witch
2. The Suck-Up Lapdog
3. The "Oh No!" I Am in Over My Head.
4. The Shady Sleaze
5. The Pontius Pilate Sideliner
Everyone you have or ever will work for is a flawed, imperfect human being. We will be disappointed by others, including those in leadership. We may even be mistreated, betrayed, and outright persecuted by leaders, even by those who are supposed to be Christ's followers. And, let us be honest: in our leadership positions, we have made mistakes, too. Nevertheless, God can and will use these people, circumstances, and experiences, even the negative ones, to help us grow and develop our faith and leadership skills.
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About the Book
This book captures stories from leaders from various business sectors. In a lighthearted way, through exploring five bad leadership characters, and at times in some heavyhearted ways, this book effectually draws upon history, Scripture, and personal experiences to provide insights into what to avoid or not do if you want to be a great leader. Most leaders have ample opportunities for training to learn and, with the addition of experience, to tell and guide them on what it means to be a good leader. Plenty of excellent books, articles, studies, and videos have been published on how to be a good, effective leader.
But what about learning from our experiences of what NOT to do to be an effective, good leader? What if leaders were to consider and value the stories of what to avoid, what not to do, how not to be hated, and how not to destroy a team or organization?
Readers of this book will realize they have likely experienced what is captured in its pages, either in part or whole. Take heart. You are not alone in what you have experienced, and rather than engage in a comparison game of whether you have experienced worse situations, this book focuses on learning opportunities from leadership principles and stories. Experience can be a great teacher, even when it is a negative experience. If nothing else, we understand what not to do. Or, when we observe or experience someone in leadership do something destructive, we say and commit to practice that “I will never do that when I lead.”
About the Author
Dr. Joey Beeson is an educational leader with administrative and teaching experience in various contexts. For over twenty years, he has served in academic roles in public, private, brick-and-mortar, online, stateside, and overseas educational institutions. He is a dynamic team builder and servant leader, providing direction and support through data-driven decision-making, collaboration, instructional supervision, professional development, best practices research, and interdisciplinary integration. He holds a Doctorate (EdD) in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration, and a Bachelor’s in History. He is married to Sarah, and they have five children together. Currently, the Beesons live in South Carolina. In addition to writing, he enjoys teaching, traveling, reading, watching sports, watching theater productions, participating in his children’s activities, and serving in his local church.