What Destructive Leadership Looks Like

We expect a lot from leaders. But, we should not expect destructive leadership. That is, leaders who attack the fundamental values and moral foundation of a society.

How Did We Get Here?

I get it that the extreme polarization of politics leads us to believe that our opposition is destructive.

We should be a bit more realistic than that, so as to avoid sweeping generalizations. Why? Because we fall into the trap of labeling and demeaning people who's views are different from ours.

One reason we get into this place is because we demean differences. Worse yet, we demand absolute allegiance to a code of beliefs based on political ideology.

The problem? We have stopped questioning if our beliefs are really true. Instead, we buy into conspiracy theories that have no confirming evidence.

The outcome? It should come as no surprise that blind adherence to unproven opinions give rise to destructive leaders who prey on the fears and prejudices of followers.

When we accept conspiracy theories that lack confirming evidence it's easier to excuse lawless behavior.

Some Precepts

As expected, there are multiple references in The Book of Proverbs to destructive leaders. This is what destructive leadership looks like:

1). In?Proverbs 28.2?Solomon says there are many destructive leaders. Consequently, they're a dime a dozen!

2). Worse yet, in?Proverbs 25.26?we read that sometimes people of faith endorse destructive leaders. And, they follow the destructive leader blindly!

3). It’s impossible for a leader to do right when he/she is influenced by dishonest advisors,?Proverbs 25.5. More generally, we become like those we allow to influence us.

4). According to?Proverbs 24.24, it’s especially bad for a leader to excuse criminal behavior. When a destructive leader pardons a convicted felon that leader is attacking the rule of law.

5). Finally, a destructive leader will, ultimately, stand in judgment before God Himself,?Proverbs 16.12!

There are many destructive leaders who lack discernment. Proverbs 28.2 paraphrase? proverbsforprofessionals.net

A Leader's Impact

Leaders who lack integrity are destructive because they don't know the difference between right and wrong.

Moreover, politics and religion are a lethal combination when the guardrail of truth is missing.

A destructive leader gets into power, and stays in office, because those around him/her lack the discernment and moral character to call out the destructive actions of that leader.

Remember, knowing the right thing to do, and doing the right thing are two very different things!

As a leader,?be careful who you allow to influence?you because you become who you hang around with and what you choose to believe!

Where To From Here?

So, Where To?

Well, the Where To is for each of us to demand proof for what we're being told. Don't blindly accept "facts" without proof of those "facts." Also, we should regularly ask "Could that really be true?"

In addition, we must recognize the destructiveness of "The Ends Justifies the Means" argument. Why? Because the truth is, we cannot justify destructive or criminal behavior simply because we have decided the outcome is desirable according to our world view.

A Question: What personal disciplines enable you to discern the difference between the truth and a lie when evaluating a leader's behavior?

A different version of this LinkedIn article appeared recently in my proverbsforprofessionals.net blog. The blog post is available here.