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constant availability, service and consistent helpfulness frequently turns these people toward exhaustion, burnout and limited availability for important and renewing relationships like spouse and family or close friendships. As the efforts become unsustainable greater energies are spent trying to maintain the pretense of balance in the vain attempt to; \u201csave face and maintain [the] shining public persona rather than take the inward journey that leads to personal wholeness and holiness<\/em>.\u201d[1]<\/a> Ahhh, such comforting words. Add to all of this a heavy workload (all the better to receive affirmation and reduce opportunity for introspection) and a doctoral program and you have a perfect recipe for disaster.\u00a0 Welcome to my life.<\/p>\nThe strength of an individual\u2019s \u2018dark\u2019 side is frequently determined by the strength of the history Much like alcoholism it is necessary to recognize that these tendencies toward the \u2018dark\u2019 side of leadership are permanent dispositions. Just because someone has gained ascendency over them for a time does not mean they are not areas of future concern. As the authors state regarding redeeming these hidden areas; \u201cWe will be tempted to deny the periodic reemergence of our dark side. This is a battle we must constantly be prepared to fight<\/em>.\u201d[3]<\/a> The fact that the authors believe that with effort, assistance and the grace of God redemption is possible offers a modicum of hope for the leader who finds himself (or herself) in the midst of seemingly insurmountable odds to the contrary.<\/p>\n The 5 step plan offered toward the conclusion of the text may offer opportunity for genuine <\/p>\n [1]<\/a> McIntosh, Gary, and Samuel D. Rima.\u00a0Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures<\/em>. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2007. P. 24<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dminlgp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/487092_v1-300x169.jpg\")
through which it was developed, the ability of the individual to recognize their own weaknesses, and their commitment to being genuine in efforts to come to terms with both the strengths it provides and the potential pitfalls it presents. As the authors consistently remind throughout the text; \u201cIn almost every case the factors that eventually undermine us are shadows of the ones that contribute to our success<\/em>.\u201d[2]<\/a> These are lifelong tendencies that grow. They frequently provide motivation for significant influence, leadership and effort, but also can become areas of insatiable need that left unabated may eventually instigate catastrophic and public failure.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dminlgp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Stress-300x253.jpg\")
restoration and even growth. I hope it does. At some stage in the future I anticipate returning to this text to see if that is true. At this point it strikes a little too close to the bone, plus I don\u2019t have the time or energy to devote to any such frivolity.\u00a0 I have needy people to help.<\/p>\n