Today's hot topic: Dark Leadership. Most of us will have encountered a Dark Leadership personality at some point. People who are not sociable, show no empathy and are extremely power-orientated. But how can you recognise them? Are they actually bad leaders? And how can we categorise Elon Musk, who works like a man possessed and is incredibly successful? His ex-wife Justine Wilson writes about him in her book: "He does what he wants and he is merciless about it. That's Elon's world, and the rest of us live in it too."

We conducted an interview with Theo Grassl, university lecturer, marketing expert and currently professor at the IED (Instituto Europeo di Design) and Polimoda - both in Florence. He is also on the board of the Fashion Council Germany. The topic of his latest lecture is: "The Dark Side of Leadership Strength".

According to Theo Grassl, Dark Leadership refers to a leadership style that exhibits negative, often destructive characteristics and behaviour. In contrast to positive leadership styles that are based on ethical principles, transparency and the promotion of the common good.

The most important question is probably how to deal with working under such a personality? And how can you advance in your profession while remaining ethical?

17. November 2023

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Name: Theo Grassl

Occupation: University lecturer, currently IED (Instituto Europeo di Design) and Polimoda, Board of the Fashion Council Germany

Residence: Munich

"Dark leadership refers to a leadership style that exhibits negative, often destructive characteristics and behaviour. This approach contrasts with positive leadership styles based on ethical principles, transparency and the promotion of the common good."

Is it by design or coincidence that you have chosen the topic of Dark Leadership right now?

Neither. I have been studying the psyche and the associated behaviour of managers for many years, particularly with regard to the balancing act between empathy and psychopathy. Here, however, I am referring to subclinical psychopathy. This refers to a pattern of personality traits and behaviours that resemble those of clinical psychopathy, but are not severe enough to warrant a formal diagnosis. Individuals with subclinical psychopathy often show some, but not all, of the characteristics of clinical psychopathy, such as a lack of empathy and the associated difficulties in empathising with others or showing genuine concern. And this is precisely what poses an enormous challenge for many managers. On the one hand, they are required to show empathy - for example, when it comes to recognising employees' potential and promoting them accordingly. This type of leadership is strongly focussed on positive change and employee development. Unfortunately, the dream is often the father of the idea. If, on the other hand, managers find that their own personality is "in the way" because it is not "nice and sweet" but has a strong dark side, things become difficult. Then we come to "dark leadership".

Dark Leadership refers to a leadership style that exhibits negative, often destructive characteristics and behaviour. This approach contrasts with positive leadership styles based on ethical principles, transparency and the promotion of the common good. This type of leadership can have a negative impact on employees, teams and the organisation as a whole, including lower employee satisfaction, higher turnover and poorer performance. I apologise for the length of this answer. It was important for me to be able to categorise the principle of dark leadership.

"Managing directors, board members and, interestingly, middle management are teeming with them."

How often have you been confronted with Dark Leadership personalities in your job?

Very often, not to say constantly. Regardless of the industry, regardless of the size of the company. I started experiencing this during my studies. Some - or even many - of my professors had dark leadership characteristics, which of course I could only explain afterwards. It continued on the agency and client side. Managing directors, board members and, interestingly, middle management are teeming with them.

"Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathy."

And in particular, how can you survive professionally under a superior who is part of the "Dark Triad"?

To answer this, I would first like to briefly explain the "Dark Triad" and its connection to dark leadership, as it is of particular interest in psychological and management-related research. The Dark Triad comprises three personality traits: Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathy. These traits are known for their associated negative characteristics such as self-centredness, manipulation and lack of empathy. In practice, dark leadership influenced by these Dark Triad traits can lead to a range of negative outcomes, such as toxic work environments, low employee morale, unethical behaviour and poor organisational performance. While individual Dark Triad traits may provide short-term benefits in some situations (e.g. aggressive negotiation by a psychopathic trait), the long-term negative impact on the organisation and its members is often significant and detrimental. It is important to note that not everyone with Dark Triad traits will necessarily become a Dark Leader. The context, situation and other moderating factors also play a role in the expression of these traits in leadership behaviour. Unfortunately, the question of how I as an employee can "survive" cannot be answered in a generalised way, as too many influencing factors play a role. 

However, there are some recommendations on what those affected can do:

- Set personal boundaries - protect yourself from exploitative behaviour.

- Maintain emotional distance - if possible, avoid getting emotionally involved in conflicts.

- Document incidents - record inappropriate behaviour by the manager in writing.

- Clear communication - communicate directly and, above all, objectively.

- Build up an internal network - seek support from trusted colleagues.

- And as a final consequence: evaluate career options. Consider whether a change of job is necessary.

What is a good management style for you?

For me, a good leadership style is characterised by several key characteristics that support both the needs of the employees and the goals of the company. These include empathy and communication skills as well as integrity, flexibility, motivation and inspiration. And above all, a culture of error. Wherever people work, mistakes are made.

"In times of crisis, people often look for individuals with visionary charisma. They give hope, inspire, mobilise and create trust."

In today's world with all the crises, be it crises in companies due to the effects of the coronavirus and then the war in Ukraine. Or now the current crisis in Gaza. Who do you consider a leader?

To be honest, I find it difficult to name a specific person here - not because I don't want to, but because I can't think of anyone in the context of global or local crises and conflicts that I would describe as a leader. Rather, it is people like you and me - in a figurative sense - who act with empathy, a clear mind and non-judgemental judgement within the scope of their possibilities and in their environment. In times of crisis, people often look for individuals with visionary charisma. They give hope, inspire, mobilise and create trust. Admittedly a very rare species, unfortunately.

Why did you include Elon Musk in the Dark Triad? He has made a great contribution to ensuring freedom of expression by buying Twitter/X, for example.

Laugh, I knew this question was coming. Whether Elon Musk has really made a contribution to freedom of expression by buying Twitter / X, I don't really know yet. Why I included him: While Elon Musk is known for his ambitious visions and risk-taking ventures, he is also known for his uncompromising leadership style. He is also known for treating his employees badly, working them to the point of total exhaustion and not tolerating trade unions in his factories. And "anyone who makes typos in emails or does nothing "fantastic" for too long will be fired", writes American journalist Ashlee Vanc in the authorised biography of Musk. And his ex-wife Justine Wilson writes in her book about him: "He does what he wants, and he's merciless about it. It's Elon's world, and the rest of us live in it too. He treated me like his employee."  I don't know whether this is all objective and really true, and it's certainly doubtful. Nevertheless, you can't achieve what Elon Musk has achieved without a good dose of narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy.

"Leaders without integrity, honesty, courage and other positive character traits will ultimately fail, no matter how smart or detailed their strategy may be."

Can you please also explain the quote from General Norman Schwarzkopf from your presentation?

The quote from Norman Schwarzkopf, "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy", emphasises the importance of character and personal qualities in leadership. It states that while a strong strategy is important, the character of a leader is ultimately more crucial. It implies that leaders without integrity, honesty, courage and other positive character traits will ultimately fail, no matter how smart or detailed their strategy may be. Character defines how you face challenges, how you relate to others and how you make decisions, which at its core is the essence of effective leadership.

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