The Leadership Mystique: Leading behavior in the human enterprise by Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries

The Leadership Mystique: Leading behavior in the human enterprise, by Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries, is an exploration of leadership and the behavior of leaders. Kets de Vries draws from his own professional experiences and a variety of fields like history, sociology and psychology. He examines the different ways in which people communicate and interact in the business world, and what is necessary for an individual to be effective at it.

Kets de Vries begins by discussing the concept of leadership. He explains that, while it is often assumed leadership starts with the individual, it usually involves a social process involving the leader, followers, and the environment. He identifies various approaches to leadership including hierarchical leadership models as well as more innovative approaches, such as collective leadership and emergent leadership.

Kets de Vries dives into the psychological aspect of leadership. He explores the different types of behavior a leader might demonstrate and why certain personality traits are attractive to certain roles. He looks at how charisma, charm, sense of vision and authoritative approach can shape the way an organization operates.

The author then discusses the different types of leadership styles, ranging from authoritative to consultative, autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire. He looks at the advantages and disadvantages associated with all of these different approaches.

Kets de Vries then focuses on the topic of social intelligence. He delves into how emotional intelligence and social sensitivity can lead to better relationships between leaders and their teams. He explains the importance of being able to understand others’ motivations, understanding cultural and organizational norms, and finding effective ways to communicate with staff.

The author closes the book by offering practical advice for leaders wanting to further develop their skills. He suggests focusing on feedback and reflection, developing coaching skills, exploring creative opportunities and setting expectations for team members.

Kets de Vries’ The Leadership Mystique is a comprehensive and insightful guide to the world of leading behavior. His approach provides helpful advice for readers looking to better understand their teams and become more effective in the workplace. It is an invaluable resource for anyone that wishes to have a deeper understanding of organizational behavior.