Business and leadership coach Edward Ato Sarpong has made a significant contribution to the discourse on effective leadership with the release of his new book, “Eyewitness to Leadership.” This work has garnered attention, particularly for its in-depth examination of the vulnerabilities inherent to leadership roles. One of the standout chapters, “The Seductions of Leadership,” addresses critical themes surrounding leadership failure, highlighting that the pitfalls leaders encounter are often predictable and preventable. By providing historical and contemporary examples of leadership collapse, Sarpong aims not just to analyze these failures but to offer a roadmap for current and aspiring leaders to navigate the complexities of leadership more effectively.
In this chapter, Sarpong outlines three fundamental reasons leaders fail: self, sight, and scope and scale. Under ‘self,’ he warns against the dangers of prioritizing personal interests over the broader goals of an organization. Sarpong uses the example of Algeria’s former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, whose personal ambitions ultimately led to widespread discontent and his eventual fall from power. This failure showcases how self-serving leadership can alienate constituents, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing the collective needs of followers over individual desires. Such selfishness can destabilize trust, a critical component of effective leadership, ultimately leading to a loss of authority and direction.
The second category, ‘sight,’ addresses a leader’s ability to anticipate change and adapt accordingly. Drawing on historical contexts, Sarpong reflects on significant failures like Lehman Brothers’ collapse, which stemmed from an inability to foresee the impending financial crisis of 2008. Leaders who lack foresight and fail to read the evolving landscape can find themselves poorly equipped to guide their organizations through turbulent times. Through cautionary examples, Sarpong emphasizes that staying attuned to shifts in the industry, market dynamics, and societal expectations is paramount for leaders looking to maintain relevance and foster resilience in their teams.
‘Scope and scale’ encapsulates the third reason for leadership failure, focusing on the perils of overexpansion and loss of strategic focus. Sarpong cites the shocking defeat of AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final as an illustration of how excessive ambition can lead to disastrous outcomes. In this high-stakes environment, the team’s overconfidence and lack of concentration during critical moments resulted in a historic loss, which serves as a metaphor for business leaders who may overreach without a solid foundation or strategy in place. This example emphasizes the necessity for leaders to remain grounded, ensuring that their vision is not only expansive but also sustainable and aligned with present capabilities.
Sarpong’s keen observations are reinforced through his examination of short-lived leadership tenures, such as that of former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who operated under highly volatile political conditions. Her 49-day term underlined how quickly misalignment between personal ambition and governing effectiveness could lead to a leadership vacuum. This further reinforces Sarpong’s point that without sound decision-making and an awareness of external pressures, leaders can jeopardize their positions and, in broader contexts, destabilize their organizations. Such instances serve as stark reminders that leadership is not just about exercising power; it’s fundamentally about responsibility toward stakeholders.
In conclusion, “Eyewitness to Leadership” serves as an essential read for those seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of leadership and the factors that contribute to its success or failure. Edward Ato Sarpong’s analysis equips leaders with critical insights and actionable strategies to navigate the complex landscape of their roles. By dissecting historical examples and providing clear frameworks, he offers a pathway to avoid common failures associated with leadership. Ultimately, Sarpong’s work is a call for introspection and disciplined leadership, emphasizing that success lies in the alignment of personal intentions with organizational objectives, a proactive approach to change, and a grounded vision that prioritizes sustainability over ambition.
