“The hardest thing for some leaders to accept, no matter their level, is that the responsibility for success or failure always comes to your desk.”
The Crucible of Leadership”
Rick Ferguson
The rejection of this truth causes some leaders to adopt a style of leadership that is destructive to both the leader, and to their organization. This leadership style is known as “Deflective Leadership”. This style of leadership is the most evil because it is rooted in dishonesty, and thrives on deception.
Leaders that practice this style are referred to as “Teflon Dons”, meaning that they tend to operate as though nothing can stick to them. This style of leadership is usually formed because of insecurities within the leader. These insecurities make this style comfortable for such a person. They begin to think they are enjoying success, when in reality their insecurities deceive them to ever changing. In their daily duties they hold an attitude that they are a mile ahead when their subordinates see them a mile behind.
It is seldom practiced and tolerated today because of its devastative impact on an organization. Where it is seen in an organization, there are usually other corrupt leadership styles being practiced. In other words the organization’s leadership is tore up from the floor up.
Its harm is to both the leader that practices, and the subordinates subjected to it. The effects and severity vary greatly. In the case of the subordinate, it is seen in frustration, apathy, and loss of respect for authority. In most the impact is minimal and short lived. They simply adapt an overcome.
In the leader however, the impact is swift and incapacitating. Trust is broken, subordinates begin to look at this leader with suspicion. The loss of trust in an organization’s leadership can manifest insubordination, disrespect for management, and increased turnover. All of which can cripple productivity. Senior leaders also lose confidence. They begin to question this leader’s ability to lead their team to success.
Not being new or modern style, it was found in the first leader on the earth, Adam.
Gen 3:11-12 NLT
…The Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”
The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”
Adam was placed in charge of the garden, he sinned, and when God confronted him, he attempted to blame God and the woman.
When one is considered for a leadership position there is an attractiveness that builds inside. I often refer to this as the deception of authority. Being able to give the orders, taking part in the organizations strategies and decisions, and a sense of superiority.
Some, a very small sum, which are placed into a leadership position, are deceived by the attractiveness of authority and perceived privilege.
“Authority doesn’t bring you privilege, it brings you responsibility.”
“The Crucible of Leadership”
Rick Ferguson
So this elementary principle must be grasped when placed into leadership. I must accept that the responsibility for the success and failure of my team, rests on me! If subordinates aren’t performing, if reasonable goals aren’t being met, if obstacles to success aren’t being removed…it’s all on me!
“When I blame my subordinates for my failures, I deceive myself. I rob myself of the tremendous reward of growth as a leader.”
“The Chronicles of Mediocrity”
Rick Ferguson
“What you are unwilling to confront, you will be unable to correct.”
Pastor Stevie Flockhart
Those of us that have been in a position of authority may have at some point been a “Teflon Don”. If you can honestly say you haven’t…Great! If you have and through the process of experience changed…Greater Yet! If you still are, admit it and quit it!
Becoming aware of these can help us as leaders to check our behavior. Changing from this self-destructing behavior brings us to honor and further promotion.
Rick Ferguson 