Are Leaders Born or Are They Made?: The Case of Alexander the Great
The Case of Alexander the Great
Author: Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries
What makes a great leader? Can leadership be learned or are great leaders born and not made?Manfred Kets de Vries answers these questions, and many more, in his innovative and fresh look at the timeless theme of effective leadership. His engaging study of the life of Alexander the Great, the charismatic leader who created an empire that spanned most of the ancient world, provides an in-depth look at the psychodynamics of leadership that will be of use to contemporary leaders in business and politics, and to consulting and training organizations.In the first part of the book, the author weaves the fascinating tale of Alexander??'s life, whilst highlighting his considerable leadership skills. He then analyses Alexander??'s personality and behavior from a clinical perspective to demonstrate the psychological forces that shaped those leadership qualities. He looks at the key facets of Alexander??'s leadership technique in detail, as a practical demonstration of effective leadership, and concludes by cataloguing Alexander??'s strengths and, just as importantly, his weaknesses for the vital lessons in leadership. In this way, Manfred Kets de Vries creates a compelling vision of leadership that no one can afford to ignore.Lavishly illustrated, this exquisite volume is a joy to read, provoking both introspection and inspiration in the minds of its readers. Vital for all managers and management consultants, MBA students, and all concerned with effective leadership.
Paperback
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
What makes a great leader? Can leadership be learned or are great leaders born and not made?Manfred Kets de Vries answers these questions, and many more, in his innovative and fresh look at the timeless theme of effective leadership. His engaging study of the life of Alexander the Great, the charismatic leader who created an empire that spanned most of the ancient world, provides an in-depth look at the psychodynamics of leadership that will be of use to contemporary leaders in business and politics, and to consulting and training organizations.In the first part of the book, the author weaves the fascinating tale of Alexander??'s life, whilst highlighting his considerable leadership skills. He then analyses Alexander??'s personality and behavior from a clinical perspective to demonstrate the psychological forces that shaped those leadership qualities. He looks at the key facets of Alexander??'s leadership technique in detail, as a practical demonstration of effective leadership, and concludes by cataloguing Alexander??'s strengths and, just as importantly, his weaknesses for the vital lessons in leadership. In this way, Manfred Kets de Vries creates a compelling vision of leadership that no one can afford to ignore.Lavishly illustrated, this exquisite volume is a joy to read, provoking both introspection and inspiration in the minds of its readers. Vital for all managers and management consultants, MBA students, and all concerned with effective leadership.
Description
The Case of Alexander the Great.
Critic Reviews
'Machiavelli and Clausewitz wrote their own theses on leadership. Now Kets de Vries and Engellau have written Alexander the Great's for him - sympathetically, astutely and with great learning to be had for all in leadership positions. I strongly recommend it.'Anton Obholzer, Psychoanalyst and Consultant Psychiatrist
About the Author
Manfred Kets de Vries is one of Europe's leading management thinkers and an experienced author, co-author, or editor of 17 books. He holds chair and Directorship positions at INSEAD. He also holds professorships at McGill University, the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales, Montreal, and the Harvard Business School and has lectured at management institutions around the world.
This engaging study of the life of Alexander the Great, the charismatic leader who created an empire that spanned most of the ancient world, provides an in-depth look at the psychodynamics of leadership that will be of use to contemporary leaders in business and politics, and to consulting and training organisations.In the first part of the book, the authors weave the fascinating tale of Alexander's life, whilst highlighting his considerable leadership skills. They then analyse Alexander's personality and behaviour from a clinical perspective to demonstrate the psychological forces that shaped those leadership qualities. They look at the key facets of Alexander's leadership technique in detail, as a practical demonstration of effective leadership, an conclude by cataloguing Alexander's strengths and, just as importantly, his weaknesses for the vital lessons in leadership.This volume provokes both introspection and inspiration in the minds of its readers. It is vital reading for all managers and management consultants, MBA students, and all concerned with effective leadership.'In analysing Alexander's personality and behaviour, this book takes a clinical perspective. It relies on concepts of the developmental psychology, family systems theory, cognitive theory, dynamic psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis to understand his behaviour and actions. Exploring themes that highlight psychological dimensions of Alexander's leadership style, these pages draw observations about the lessons of leadership that can be learned from his behaviour.'- From the Introduction
Product Details
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.
Browse by category
- Books » Non-Fiction » Psychology & Counselling » Occupational & Organisational
- Books
- Books » Non-Fiction
- Books » Non-Fiction » Psychology & Counselling
- Books » Non-Fiction » Business & Management » Office & Workplace » Working Patterns & Practices
- Books » Non-Fiction » Business & Management
- Books » Non-Fiction » Business & Management » Office & Workplace
- Books » Non-Fiction » Business & Management » Management & Management Techniques » Management: Leadership & Motivation
- Books » Non-Fiction » Business & Management » Management & Management Techniques
