Session Type: Interactive Roundtable Accepted by MIG(s): Time Allotted: 75 Description: This interactive session will explore the strategies and behaviors employed by bad leaders, the impact of bad leaders on the people and organizations around them, and the things people can do to identify, discourage, and disengage from bad leadership. Abstract: We assume that those engaged in leadership are good – pursuing positive goals and promoting the best in those who follow them. But, let’s face it, not all leaders are good. Some are downright evil – pursuing destructive goals and destroying everyone and everything around them. Lurking behind these leaders are personal motivations that enable them to encourage followers along a dark path of destruction. The four case study papers in this session draw upon the work of Barbara Kellerman and Jean Lipman-Blumen to explore the strategies and behaviors employed by bad leaders, the impact of bad leaders on the people and organizations around them, and the things people can do to identify, discourage, and disengage from bad leadership. The presentations in this panel examine toxic leadership as it has occured within higher education, politics, religion, healthcare, and non-profit organizations. Amelia Adams, University of Oklahoma, College of Liberal Studies
Bio: Amelia Adams completed her undergraduate studies at Smith College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987. She then attended the University of Oklahoma, receiving a Master of Arts in Anthropology in 1993, and a PhD in Organizational Leadership in 2006. From October 1998 through July 2007, she served as the Assistant Dean of the Graduate College at the University of Oklahoma. During this time, she occasionally taught courses in Anthropology, Management, and Liberal Studies. In August 2007, she joined the OU College of Liberal Studies as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Adams teaches courses in both the undergraduate and graduate Administrative Leadership degree programs. She is particularly interested in the interactive experience of leaders and followers; leadership and the decision-making process; the development of effective, ethical leaders; and the impact of toxic leaders on organizations and people. She is also engaged in research that focuses on visual culture and the African-American experience in America.
Abstract: Catholic Clergy and Intemperance
This research paper examines the recent history of toxic leadership within Catholic churches. It seeks to understand how and why spiritual leaders abuse their power and why their followers often allow it to occur. The paper will also review leadership methods which could be used to prevent these abusive behaviors.Rebecca M. Clary, University of Oklahoma, College of Liberal Studies
Bio: Mrs. Rebecca Clary completed her undergraduate studies through the online program at the University of Oklahoma College of Liberal Studies, receving a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree in 2006. She continued her education at OU, and will earn her Masters of Liberal Studies degree in 2010. In addition to her college career, Mrs. Clary was also employed at Marsh USA, where she was a vice president of marketing and operations. She was responsible for the development and delivery of training programs to over 100 support colleagues across the United States. Her mentoring role at Marsh allowed Mrs. Clary to share her story with interested colleagues, and to encourage many to continue their professional development through distance education. Now retired from the business community, Mrs. Clary hopes to teach through distance education in the future.
Anthony Coleman, College of Liberal Studies, University of Oklahoma
Bio: Mr. Anthony Coleman completed his undergraduate studies at Langston University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001. He is currently a University of Oklahoma MA student in the College of Liberal Studies. From July 2001 through January 2009, his leaderships skills were developed while working at the Tulsa Job Corps Center. During this time he was able to learn from a number of leaders throughout the organization. In 2005, he earned his first of three promotions into management. While operating in management he continued to learn and grow as a leader by mentoring staff and allowing himself to be mentored by the example of leadership displayed throughout the company. In February 2010, Anthony relocated to Washington state, accepting a Director of Programs position at Lower Columbia College. He believes that the success of any organization is based primarily on the relationships between leaders and followers. Abstract: Clinical Empathy and Non-Toxic Leadership: Compatible or Incompatible?
This paper explores the relationship between clinical empathy and the impact of leadership on therapeutic outcome. It also explores whether the presence or absence of clinical empathy affects a physician's chances of engaging in callous leadership.Heidi Eisenhauer, College of Liberal Studies, University of Oklahoma
Abstract: Toxic Leadership of a Scientific Principle Investigator: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
This paper will analyze abuses of power exhibited by Dr. Demagogue, a tenured principle investigator in an academic laboratory. Dr. Demagogue's use of deception and manipulation will be examined, as will the impact of these behaviors on his lab members.Wendy Martin, College of Liberal Studies, University of Oklahoma
Bio: Wendy Martin completed her undergraduate degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, in Weatherford, Oklahoma receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991. She received her Masters of Science degree in Botany at the University of Oklahoma in 1997. While in graduate school, she conducted research and developed her skills in molecular biology. Following graduate school, she worked for two years at the Advanced Center for Genomic Technology at the University of Oklahoma on the Human Genome Project. She has worked in several research laboratories where she uses her molecular biology skills for experiments primarily focused on gene expression. During her career, she has observed the toxic leadership associated with scientific principle investigators. Abstract: Karl Rove: Architect of Insular Strategy in the Bush Administration
The Bush Administration was one of the most divisive, partisan, and unilateral forces of modern times. At the center of this divisiveness was political strategist Karl Rove. This paper examines Rove's insular leadership and the toxic effects his actions wrought upon the United States and the world.Stephen West, College of Liberal Studies, University of Oklahoma
Bio: Stephen West serves as the Director of the Air Traffic-Controller Training Initiative program in the University of Oklahoma Aviation Department. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of air traffic control. While with the FAA, Steve served as an EEO counselor in the Southwest Region. He received a BA in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma in 2007, graduating with distinction, and will complete a MA in Administrative Leadership from OU in 2010. He enjoys educational pursuits, and considers himself to be a lifelong learner. Steve also enjoys travel, road trips, music, cooking, and being outside when the weather is warm. Return to complete program |
