Final Leadership Development Paper
Lynda Corrado
Department of Psychology, Golden Gate University
December 7, 2024
Introduction
My final paper, a meticulously crafted document, represents the culmination of everything I have learned in this challenging course. This experience profoundly impacted my sense of self and purpose, reshaping my perspective on life. Its effect on me runs so deep, words seem inadequate to convey the sheer magnitude of its impact. I aim to provide a practical demonstration in this paper and then through out the next several years, illustrating its use through various scenarios and examples. My journey towards discovering power began with Cashman’s simple question—echoed later by Professor Carmody—"Why are we here?"—a query that resonated with the quiet intensity of a dawn breaking. What is the reason for
our existence? This question resonated deeply, shaking my foundation, and ignited a journey of self exploration into the unexplored recesses of my soul. As a result, I now understand my strength and how to use it effectively, a feeling both exhilarating and slightly frightening. I am deeply grateful for the interviews; the perspectives shared helped me hone my focus
and discover my true direction, a sense of clarity I’d been searching for. My primary focus is to equip everyday people with the tools they need to thrive. My strategy involves using
Zoom meetings and my trademarked compass, a tool, which will provide key data points to help me reach my goal in teaching. Additionally, I’m deeply committed to helping elected officials discover their true purpose and wield their power effectively, working alongside them to achieve meaningful results. If I could only reach one of them, I’m sure I would finally achieve my life’s purpose. Then I would step into my sailboat, hearing the gentle creak of the wood and feeling the rocking motion beneath me, and drift aimlessly, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the soft breezes I’ve longed to feel. A warm smile spread across my face as my fingers danced across the keyboard, composing these words.
Part I
Lord Acton famously stated that power corrupts. We all know it. I am of the belief that I want to understand the psychology behind it. When certain individuals hold power, they frequently prioritize personal gain over public service. This happens because having the authority to make decisions can tempt politicians to exploit their position. Additionally, in situations where there is little or no oversight, politicians may see themselves as immune to facing consequences. This perception can also result in corrupt actions and unethical behavior. This corruption appears to be driven by the desire for financial gain.
To continue to enrich themselves, they accept bribes or participate in fraudulent practices, such as insider trading. Yet, the strongest predictor of who gets the money is not the person’s credentials or the content of the pitch. "The strongest predictors of who gets the money
(wealth) were the traits: confidence, comfort level, and passionate enthusiasm.” ― Amy Cuddy,
Corruption has become normalized, leading politicians to view unethical behavior as a normal part of political life rather than an exception. The competitive nature creates pressures to maintain authority, hold their seat, and secure funding to do so, which can lead to unethical choices or alliances with corrupt entities. In conclusion, personal character attributes like greed, ambition, or a lack of empathy can make individuals more likely to participate in corrupt practices.
My intention is to delve beneath the surface and truly comprehend how these character flaws
drive politicians to yearn for this kind of power. I aim to introduce the notion of the “voice of fear”and its influence on power-hungry political leaders. This concept suggests that these leaders may have developed a deep sense of shame, rendering them vulnerable and defenseless.
Part 2
The acquisition of control is often driven by fear. It encompasses the ability to manage one’s
emotions, thoughts, and behavior, all out of a deep-rooted fear that someone might discover their secret of shame.
I do not believe that all politicians are corrupt. No matter the party affiliation, gender or
race, there are good people among us. How do they heed their calling to serve and manage to remain true to their character, which is defined by qualities such as integrity, courage, strength, and empathy towards their constituents? First, I call these individuals leaders. “Each of us is being called to lead by authentically connecting our own life experiences, values, and talents to the special circumstances we face” – Kevin Cashman
Perhaps they may not fully comprehend their true purpose yet, but they do acknowledge its
existence. This realization empowers them to withstand the challenges posed by corruption. They are self-aware of their weakness and how they trigger them to possibly falter. This is power. Recognizing our weaknesses, our saboteurs, is the initial step towards discovering the inner strength needed to persevere. “If we hope to be more effective leaders we must pin our hopes on our ability to deal with all life throws at us by changing, adapting, and growing.” – Kevin Cashman (p.116)
A leader who genuinely commits to serving others and has the courage to face their weaknesses will ultimately discover their true strength. Politicians who lack this awareness are bound to be overcome by corruption. In the end, their character’s saboteurs will prevail, ushering in their victory and leading them down the path to the dark side. This voice, is known as their ego, and it projects hubristic confidence, assertiveness, and domination. It defines who they are. The ultimate objective of an unchecked ego is to achieve a sense of security, status, financial stability, and the capacity to shape their significance. As they progress towards this desired outcome, a certain air of superiority and
invincibility begins to develop. Deepak Chopra.
The scene unfolds with an intentional illusion of grandiosity, as they strive to create an
atmosphere of significance. The air is thick with the scent of insecurity and vulnerability, as they target those who appear less secure and weaker. Regrettably, a politician’s exercise of power over the populace manifests in strong-arm tactics, leaving a bitter taste in the air. “Silent leaders lead by who they are, commit to expanding the depth of your character to its most essential level–Being.” –Kevin Cashman (p.162)
Their desire to surpass ordinary people, whom they perceive as weak,
compels them to exert even more control. Achieving this goal serves as an affirmation of their own importance, which ultimately circles back to their never-ending perception of self that conceals their underlying insignificance.
My theory is that the need for validation from an inflated ego drives people to see
corruption as a tool for achieving worth. “A truly confident person does not require arrogance,
which is nothing more than a smoke screen for insecurity.” ― Amy Cuddy, This consuming
darkness, heavy and oppressive, becomes their sole guiding light.
Part 2.5
The current two-party system, the house of corruption, exemplifies tribalism taken to its
dysfunctional extreme. In tribalistic thinking, one becomes an irrational, biased, and confrontational individual, prioritizing the interests of their own group above all else. People with tribalistic thinking define their identity by their loyalty to their tribe, regardless of whether it’s based on family, race, sexuality, social identity, politics, or anything else. In this pursuit, they will sacrifice truth, justice, personal freedom, or anything else on the altar of their tribal allegiance. Their goal is to achieve victory for their own group, which requires the defeat of the opposing group.
So, the new incoming tribe, I must emphasize, focuses on preserving the legacy of the white
man. There are some women who support the chieftain, but only to receive mere bread crumbs.And if you focus on their words, they have already warned us about what to expect. Just like China controls its population, we will also face an iron fist.
The masses voted out the status quo because they believed, and rightly so, that the rulers
were inauthentic and did not truly represent the people. People will no longer support
inauthenticity. The recently victorious tribe is seen as authentic. However, the masses handed over their power to them with what expectation? That they would bring about the desired change? Well, they will indeed bring change, but not the change that was expected unless, of course, you truly listened.
So, be are aware of this. Acknowledge that both parties have a tendency to seek power and
control. Do you not consider the other perspective? Has power corrupted you? Because, it is merely a narrative we create for ourselves to justify. For engaging in a challenging situation, it is crucial to recognize the existence of a third story.
In this context, the term “third story” alludes to adopting a neutral perspective. Essentially, it
involves describing the problem from the viewpoint of an impartial observer who can see both sides of the conflict without taking sides. Stone, Patton, Keen. This approach facilitates a more productive conversation by avoiding immediate defensiveness from any party involved. By embracing the “third story,” individuals remain independent, not aligning with either of the conflicting philosophies or viewpoints. The rationale behind this is that neither side will truly listen, as their primary focus is solely on winning.
In the next segment, I assure you, I will delve into the reasons behind why I believe the
coming of the iron fist happened;-why the people willingly gave up their power and impending freedoms. Furthermore, I will explain why I firmly believe that we, as independent individuals, will ultimately emerge victorious.
Part 3
Now, let’s tackle the perplexing question: why do people choose to support corrupt
politicians. There are two archetypes for candidates. The first category appears as a fatherly
archetype, and the second category appears as a motherly archetype. However, their roles
are not determined by gender. Corruption is not a factor in this matter. That creeps in during
the pursuit of power. We as voters have been programmed over centuries, decades to
support this archetype. Thus, we as a whole, tend to have a positive response towards
political leaders who embody the “father figure” archetype. This is because father figures
typically evoke feelings of protection and security, which can provide reassurance to voters,
especially during times of uncertainty or crisis.
These leaders often present themselves as authoritative figures who can offer
guidance, direction, and solutions, along with a clear vision for the future. In addition, a
father figure can establish an emotional connection, fostering trust and loyalty among voters.
Many people naturally seek strong leaders to follow, especially in challenging times, and a
father figure often embodies the qualities of decisiveness and a protective nature, attracting
those who desire definitive leadership. Marcia Riner. In addition, a father figure has the
ability to simplify intricate matters and present them in a manner that connects effortlessly
with voters. This strategy can attract individuals seeking uncomplicated resolutions rather
than convoluted policy debates.
Furthermore, voters frequently admire leaders who uphold the conventional values
linked to fatherhood, such as accountability, power, and assuming the role of the head of the
family. This can especially strike a chord with those who prioritize a robust family-centric
viewpoint in governing.
Leaders who assume a fatherly role often possess charisma and the ability to inspire, cultivating a sense of loyalty and admiration among voters who are drawn to their personality and approach. In times of crisis, voters tend to gravitate towards leaders who assume control and make decisive decisions, traits commonly associated with a protective father figure. This reaction can give rise to a rally-around-the-flag effect. Building commitment begins with comprehending the consequences of our actions.” – Kevin
Cashman (p. 171)
Furthermore, throughout history, many societies have traditionally revered male
figures in positions of authority, and this cultural conditioning may predispose voters to
react favorably to male leaders who adopt a paternalistic approach. During times of social or
political change, voters often seek stability and guidance.
In such situations, a father figure can serve as a symbol of continuity and reassurance
amidst the disruption. Ultimately, the appeal of a political leader embodying these qualities is
rooted in the psychological need for security, guidance, and emotional connection, especially
during challenging times. Voters frequently desire stability, clarity, and a sense of belonging,
which can generate strong support for leaders who exemplify these characteristics.
Part 4
As humans, we tend to shy away from change, our hearts pounding with fear at the mere thought of it. If we hope to be more effective leaders we must pin our hopes on our ability to deal with all life throws at us by changing, adapting, and growing.” – Kevin Cashman (p.116) The unfamiliar fills us with trepidation, teetering between creation and destruction. We hold on tightly, refusing to let go, for the past holds a certain comfort that we are reluctant to release. Our own voices echo with uncertainty as we debate whether to embrace the new or cling to the old. Both parties, like two ships sailing against the current, hold steadfast to their respective pasts. All changes… have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” ― Amy Cuddy,
One party looks back further, their vision clouded by the mists of ancient history where man
ruled. The other party’s gaze is fixed on the recent past, where they had power. Both refuse to
loosen their grip, unable to see the storm bearing down on them from the North.
In the political landscape, voters find themselves grappling with the decision to support a
corrupt politician, despite being acutely aware of their dubious actions. The choice between
candidates becomes blurred, obscured by the looming presence of party loyalty, as if a veil has been drawn over concerns of corruption. Even when they know better, voters may choose a corrupt politician if they believe the politician’s promises will improve things, particularly during difficult times.
Maybe they think these politicians are better than what we have now. But why? Do people
vote for corrupt politicians because they’re good at making promises and connecting with voters, even if they’re not ethical? Add the planned father figure to the mix, and it’s a recipe for success. Plus, some voters are just tired of politics and vote for anyone they know or from a party they like without checking them out. Shady politicians win votes by making tempting promises or using manipulation, like spreading lies or fear. Basically, if you don’t care about politics, you won’t research the candidates. This lets corrupt politicians get off scot-free. Thus, voters start to normalize corruption.
Through strategic media messaging, politicians can powerfully shape public opinion, using
targeted sound bites and compelling visuals to influence voters’ perspectives. They’re masters at making their bad deeds seem okay and boosting their own image. This hits home for voters easily swayed by a crooked politician’s quick payouts, regardless of future harm.
To fix the problem of corrupt politicians, we need a big plan. We need a multi-pronged
approach: voter education, open government, and a political climate emphasizing honesty and responsibility. If we get a chance.
Unfortunately, the media’s effect is not very significant in this area. They play a part, but
their influence is less substantial to help than we had hoped. Fair and balanced reporting is crucial, presenting all sides of political issues and correcting misinformation. However, we must critically examine the extent of media corruption and whether profit prioritizes over unbiased, truthful reporting.
Most media outlets take a position. They generate a report using the daily spin data from
that side. Therefore, the public has no means of applying informed data to their choices. The
Mother archetype can facilitate this much needed change.
Qualities of the mother archetype include prioritizing the well-being of others and showing
genuine concern for their needs and feelings. These empathetic individuals readily connect with diverse populations, thus grasping the challenges faced by those they represent. This is the type of archetype that appeals to me. I was programmed to identify to a strong, fatherly paradigm for guidance. Each of us is being called to lead by authentically connecting our own life experiences, values, and talents to the special circumstances we face” – Kevin Cashman.
The key, in my opinion, is integrating both to forge a new paradigm.
To conclude this paper, let’s revisit the fundamental question: Considering the current global
climate and political landscape, what is the role of politicians today? What are they meant to achieve? If any answer suggests a desire to manipulate or dominate family, community, or anyone beyond themselves—red flag! Run far away.
The secret to true power is actually quite simple: you can only truly control your own
thoughts and actions; the rest is beyond your grasp. True power, a force that radiates outward with quiet confidence, originates from deep within one’s core. This concept is called emotional
intelligence. Emotional intelligence (EI) involves recognizing, understanding, and regulating one’s emotions, influencing self-awareness and decision-making. It also requires the ability to recognize and appropriately respond to a wide range of emotions in others, from subtle cues to overt displays of feeling. Essentially, emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while also recognizing and responding effectively to the feelings of others; a nuanced skill encompassing self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. By utilizing this awareness, individuals can effectively navigate politics. That is power. That is the secret.
Conclusion
I don’t believe I’ve written anything so far that most reading this don’t already know. However, to encapsulate all the thoughts I’ve gathered during the past months
studying the psychology of leadership, it all boils down to power. Each one of us possesses power, but many of us tend to give it away to others. Some even abuse it, using it to gain and maintain control. And then there are those who understand how to control the forces within and thus have achieved the acquisition of true power. I keep finding myself drawn to Hendrix’s lyrics, where he says that the world will not know peace until the power of love overcomes the love of power. I have no idea if he was under the influence when he wrote that or if he simply tapped into a higher source of enlightenment, but his words form the essence of my writing and the focus of my final paper. To conclude, if you’re a leader, it’s important to ask yourself 1) why are you here; 2) what makes you someone others would want to follow.
REFERENCES:
Leadership From The Inside Out, Kevin Cashman, Berret-Koehler Publishers, Inc. 2008
Difficult Conversations What Matters Most, Stone, Patton And Heen, Penguin House 2023
What Makes A Leader Daniel Goleman HBR 2017
Rules Of Power Jeffrey Pfeffer, Stanford University HBR 2022
Power Causes Brain Damage, Jerry Unseem HBR 2017
Managing Yourself: Don’t Let Power Corrupt You Dachel Keltner HBR 2016
It Is Better To Loved Or Feared? Nicolas Machievelli HBR 2013
Does Our Ego Protect Us From The Cruelty Of The World? Deepak Chopra
Father-Style Leadership: Cultivating Growth with a Personal Touch. Marcia Riner
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