By: Seraphina Quinn
Patricia McLagan is a prominent figure in the field of leadership and organizational development. With over 50 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to exploring the dynamics of leadership, the psychology of power, and the relationship between leaders and followers. Her insights and expertise have made significant contributions to the understanding of these complex topics, and her latest book, “The Shadow Side of Power: Lessons for Leaders and Their Supporters),” delves deep into the darker aspects of leadership.
Patricia’s journey into the world of leadership began early. Growing up, she was always interested in how people take on and use their own power. Her fascination with power dynamics was rooted in her own experiences, one of which she recalls vividly from her eighth-grade days when she was appointed a police girl. This role came with a badge and a sense of authority, making her feel taller and more powerful. This early experience with power left a lasting impression on Patricia, shaping her future career and her passion for helping others understand and use their power responsibly.
Throughout her career, Patricia has worked with a variety of organizations, including NASA and major corporations, undergoing significant changes. She has been involved in leadership development, helping top executives and boards transform their organizations into more participative and ethically sound enterprises. Her work has taken her around the world, including a decade in South Africa during the 1990s, where she witnessed and contributed to major political and business transformations.
Patricia’s extensive experience in organizational development provided her with a unique perspective on leadership. She saw firsthand how leaders could either uplift or undermine their organizations based on how they wielded their power. This led her to explore the darker aspects of leadership, which many traditional leadership development programs often overlook. She recognized that understanding the psychological side of power was crucial for leaders to navigate their roles effectively and ethically.
Patricia’s book, “The Shadow Side of Power,” is a profound exploration of the intricate dynamics of leadership and power. It is not just a guide for leaders but a transformative journey that delves into the often-overlooked darker aspects of power that can undermine even the most well-intentioned leaders. Patricia uses allegory and storytelling to convey complex concepts, making the lessons both memorable and impactful.
The book’s protagonist, Adderly, embarks on a hero’s journey through a fictional leadership Inferno, guided by a character named Peneth. This journey mirrors the structure of Dante’s Inferno, as Adderly encounters various circles of hell, each representing different failures and abuses of power. Through these encounters, Adderly learns valuable lessons about the temptations and pitfalls of leadership, ultimately emerging as a more self-aware and ethical leader.
Patricia chose this allegorical approach because she believes that stories are a powerful way to teach and resonate with readers. By presenting the shadow side of power in a narrative format, she hopes to engage readers more deeply and encourage them to reflect on their own leadership practices. The book challenges leaders to confront their own biases, insecurities, and temptations and strive for a balance that prioritizes ethical decision-making and the well-being of those they lead.
Patricia’s extensive career in organizational development has significantly influenced her writing. She has worked on major projects that involved large-scale transitions, such as NASA’s shift from the moon missions to the shuttle program, the banking industry’s move to ATMs, and a wide range of disruptions due to technological advances. These experiences have given her a deep understanding of how power dynamics play out in organizations during times of change.
She has observed that leaders often fall into the trap of either abdicating their accountability or misusing their power for personal gain. Patricia emphasizes that leaders must be acutely aware of the power they hold and how their actions and decisions impact their organizations and the people within them. She advocates for a nuanced view of power, where leaders use their authority wisely, encourage participation, and make decisions in the best interest of their organizations.
Writing “The Shadow Side of Power” was a deeply personal experience for Patricia. It required her to confront her own uses and misuses of power throughout her life. She acknowledges that everyone has a shadow side and that leaders, in particular, must be vigilant about recognizing and managing their own dark tendencies. This introspection is a critical aspect of ethical leadership and personal growth.
Patricia also faced the challenge of writing about sensitive and controversial topics without naming specific individuals. Instead, she created fictional characters that embody various abuses of power, allowing readers to recognize similar behaviors in real-world leaders without the need for explicit identification. This approach makes the book more relatable and impactful, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and the leaders they encounter.
Patricia hopes that her book will contribute to the broader conversation about ethical leadership and power dynamics. She wants leaders to become more aware of their own shadows and the temptations they face and to use this awareness to become better, more ethical leaders. She also emphasizes the importance of followers in shaping leaders and holding them accountable.
Through her book and ongoing work, Patricia aims to create a more informed and responsible leadership culture. She believes that by addressing the shadow side of power, leaders can make more ethical decisions, build more participative organizations, and ultimately contribute to a better world.
Patricia McLagan’s “The Shadow Side of Power” is a significant contribution to the field of leadership development. Her unique perspective, extensive experience, and innovative use of storytelling make this book a valuable resource for leaders at all levels. By exploring the darker aspects of power and offering practical insights, Patricia challenges leaders to reflect on their own practices and strive for a balance that prioritizes ethical decision-making and the well-being of those they lead.
Published by: Khy Talara
