This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
Argentina's story is a cautionary tale of how bad leadership can lead to a country's downfall. A century ago, Argentina was considered one of the most promising nations of the future, with a diverse trove of natural resources and a thriving economy.
However, the country's history is marred by coups, military dictatorships, and economic turmoil. It has suffered from massive inflations, debt defaults, and currency devaluations, leaving many to wonder what went wrong.
According to Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, an international authority on talent management and leadership development, the answer lies in the country's selection of leaders. In his new book, Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?, Chamorro-Premuzic argues that most leaders, particularly men, are inept and that we often mistake their flaws for attractive leadership qualities.
Chamorro-Premuzic points out that we tend to overlook the red flags of narcissism, hubris, and self-absorption in male leaders, mistaking them for charisma and confidence. This has led to a pattern of selecting overconfident males who ultimately fail to deliver.
Studies have shown that people are dissatisfied with their leaders, yet we continue to repeat our mistakes. Chamorro-Premuzic suggests that it's not easy to unlearn our bad ideas about leadership, and that we remain prone to being fooled by charismatic con artists.
So, what can we do to avoid this pattern of selecting bad leaders? Chamorro-Premuzic recommends looking for unique combinations of brains and empathy in our leaders, and being wary of those who display narcissism and psychopathy.
As we navigate the complexities of leadership, it's essential to ask ourselves whether our leaders are in it for personal uplift or for the greater good. By being more discerning in our selection of leaders, we can avoid the ruin that Argentina's history has shown us.
