Leadership is a delicate balancing act that takes years to build but only moments to dismantle. Leaders often invest decades in carefully constructing their reputations, yet in certain situations, their darker traits can overshadow their brighter qualities, with detrimental consequences. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of leadership by delving into instances where influential figures, renowned for their bright traits, have exhibited a darker side that tainted their reputation.
Drawing on examples from the world of business and politics, we analyze the cases of Steve Jobs, the iconic founder of Apple Inc., and Donald Trump, the prominent billionaire and entrepreneur. Steve Jobs, while celebrated for his visionary leadership, also demonstrated traits of over-possessiveness that occasionally cast a shadow on his legacy. On the other hand, Donald Trump, known for his strict and unapologetic business acumen, entered the realm of U.S. politics, revealing a darker side through controversial remarks about Islam and Islamic nations. His comments have not only strained political relations but also negatively impacted his business interests, particularly among the Muslim consumer base.
We examine the consequences of these leaders’ actions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a neutral stance on issues like race, religion, and creed in the business world. Failure to do so can result in long-term damage to a leader’s reputation and their brand. As we scrutinize these cases, it becomes evident that leadership is a complex endeavor that demands a holistic approach, one that prioritizes unity and peace over division and conflict.
Can you think of any leader that has shown his or her dark side of leadership, or his dark side
of bright traits?
It takesleaders decades to build their reputation but minutes to ruin it, making leadership a
touchy affair which requires careful management and nurturing (Reger, 2009). While many
leaders will learn to manage their reputation carefully, in some situation over confidence and
the desire to be recognised as supreme and the best can ruin your reputation. SteveJobs
founder of Apple.Inc is an example of powerful leadership but one that may be over
possessive. Another recent famous entrepreneur, businessman and billionaire that has
attracted negative attention on his reputation has been Donald Trump. He has been revered as
being a leading business head due to his strict approaches linked to professionalism but his
latest entry into US politics has revealed a darker side of Donald Trump.
His negative remarks against Islam and Islamic nation’s regardingterrorism have resulted in
seriously affecting his reputation in the public eye. He may have attempted to win the US
public’s attention with his accusation against the Religion but this has only resulted in raising
concern regarding political tension and religious upheaval between the US and Islamic states
(Daft, 2007). While this has an effect on political tension,Donald Trump has also made a
devastating business decision which has automatically resulted in his brand loosing Islamic
consumer interest.
Being a business leader,Donald Trump should have been able to evaluate the effects of his
accusation on his business. Islam is the second largest religion in the world and a sizable
proportion of Donald Trump’scustomers are Muslim. His recent accusation and comments
against Islamhave resulted in his brand being neglected and ignored by many Muslim, who
felt insulted by his comments. Business a successful businessman and entrepreneur, it was
important for him to carefully observed the situation and consider his comments effects to his
business. This has resulted in seriously damaging his brands reputation amongMuslims but
has also devastated his reputation among the US citizen.
This is due to the US having developed bad relations with several Islamic nations but mainly
focused towards terrorism (Carducci, 2009). Donald Trump recent comments have directly
accused all Muslims of being terrorists which haveresulted inhimdamaging his credibility as a
tactical leader for the US. While it’s still too early to determine who will be the USA’s next
presidents, Donald Trump’s decision to attack Islam is destined to have a negative effect on
this brand's reputation over the long term perspective.
Businessmen and entrepreneurs require remaining neutral with regard to race, religion and
creed at the business but able to target all members of society so as to build their reputation.
Failing to maintain a positive approach linked to business will only result in seriously
affecting the brands reputation which will affect the brand over the long term. Donald Trump
may have achieved the climax of his entrepreneur career but has damaged his personal as
well as brands reputation amongcustomers and followers (Waldron, 2012). This is due to his
accusations that promote religion rivalry and conflict rather than build on unity and peace
which would have delivered bigger benefits to his brand over the long term perspective.