The Path to Authentic Leadership

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The unprecedented challenges of our time—a global pandemic, climate disruption, and economic instability—demand leadership rooted in a deep awareness of our interconnectedness and the existential stakes we face. This work frames leadership dilemmas through the lens of the Ouroboros, the mythic snake that destroys parts of itself for renewal. Today's leaders must navigate a dynamic, uncertain environment with the ability to reflect, adapt, and let go of ineffective practices while creating sustainable solutions. Drawing on decades of psychoanalytic training and the systems-psychodynamic method, Kets de Vries examines the pandemic's effects through the lens of the seven deadly sins, exploring themes of shame, evil, charisma, and procrastination. He delves into the inner workings of white-collar criminals and the ultra-wealthy, discussing the role of magic in management and the paradox of koans as catalysts for change. He outlines a path for organizational transformation, referencing the self-renewing process of the Ouroboros, and introduces his 7C sequence: Context, Confrontation, Clarification, Crystallization, Cascading, Consolidation, and Continuity. This framework is illustrated through the journey of a troubled CEO, accompanied by practical advice from an experienced executive consultant. Kets de Vries emphasizes that authentic leadership is only meaningful when driven by a commitment to serve as a force for good.