Leadership Dysfunction’s

Sopus Leadership and Personal Development Series

Over the past few months, i have been making researches as to why the Executive President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been performing so badly in his leadership, I ve discovered that he is no where close to achieving any of the MDGs, and again, he has problems making critical decisions. Hence I have looked through Dr. Robert Hogans eleven personality traits that could somewhat prevent leaders in any social environment from achieving their fullest potential.

It could be that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is showing a number of these traits. It is not unusual for any leader to have four or five of these dysfunction’s. The more traits a Leader has the more chance there is for interpersonal problems:

1. Enthusiastic – Volatile, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by leaving, quitting, terminating projects or ending relationships. They can be moody, irritable and leave a trail of broken friendships.

2. Shrewd – Mistrustful, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by challenging, criticising, accusing and even blaming others. They can be suspicious, ready to fight when wronged, holding grudges and having enemies.

3. Careful – Cautious, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by becoming defensive, vigilant, and very careful not to make mistakes or allow themselves to be criticised. They can lack self-confidence, be shy, be plagued by a debilitating fear of failure, reluctant to speak up and easily embarrassed.

4. Independent – Detached, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by retreating or withdrawing within themselves. They can want to spend time alone, can be indifferent to the suffering of others, independent, self sufficient and self absorbed.

5. Focused – Passive Aggressive, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by procrastinating, withholding and denying others what they want. They can resist being helpful, mistrusting of leadership, show lots of anger and get irritated when interrupted

6. Confident – Arrogant, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by trying to overwhelm others with evidence of their competence, talents and achievements. They want to be recognized at all costs as being seen as successful.

7. Charming – Manipulative, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by trying to overwhelm others with evidence of their courage, daring and fearlessness. They take large risks, have no regrets, put on the appropriate act, are impulsive and can be impatient.

8. Vivacious – Dramatic, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by trying to impress others with how interesting, attractive, smart or appealing they are

9. Imaginative – Eccentric, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by trying to impress others with their insight, creativity and unusual mental capacities

10. Diligent – Perfectionist, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by working harder, paying even closer attention to standards of performance, and trying to exceed them

11. Dutiful – Dependent, Leaders showing this dysfunction are likely to deal with stress by ingratiating themselves, soliciting support and encouragement from others, especially seniors, and carefully maintaining bonds of trust and solidarity

Ok, now this is over, we shall look at some other possible reasons for his dysfunctionalities.

Check back soon