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The Myth of the Strong Leader summary
Archie Brown
Political Leadership in the Modern Age
14 mins
Brief summary
'The Myth of the Strong Leader' by Archie Brown exposes the inadequacy of the strongman stereotype and argues that leadership is reliant on context and adaptability. Brown analyses political figures to draw insights on how effective, long-lasting leadership isn't often linear and not necessarily bold, either.
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The Myth of the Strong Leader
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
The public’s conception of what makes good political leadership is deeply flawed.
Popular political opinion is shaped by certain influences, such as public speeches, media reports and lobbying efforts. But as a society, we’re not swayed into supporting particular leaders but often a certain kind of leader.
The media tends to portray a political leader as more powerful than the sum of the leader’s political party. This makes the public less likely to consider the inner workings of any democratic system, as the most attention is given to the leader at the top.
Leaders, in turn, often believe their own hype, making them seem more powerful in the eyes of the people. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, for example, wrote in his autobiography that he himself won three elections, rather than attributing his success to the Labour Party. His self-confidence was such that many came to see Blair as a sort of political messiah.
The public also mistakenly believes that a country’s well-being is contingent on its leader’s strength of character. Politicians themselves feed this perception, especially during election seasons.
It’s common for a politician to use “strong vs. weak” rhetoric to diminish opponents. So the electorate comes to view politics as yet another game of “survival of the fittest.”
Tory party head David Cameron, for instance, tried to paint Ed Miliband as “weak” when Miliband was named Labour leader. When Tory backbenchers defied party whips on a particular policy issue, however, Miliband tried to turn the tables by claiming that Cameron instead was the weak leader, having “lost control of his party.”
It’s true that a person who can’t stand up for himself won’t do well in politics, but being an effective leader isn’t just about strength. After all, survival also means knowing when to back away from danger.
The public misconception that leadership should be about power comes with a big risk, as it can push society toward totalitarianism.
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What is The Myth of the Strong Leader about?
The Myth of the Strong Leader (2014) explores why people tend to favor charismatic leaders, those they perceive as “strong.” These blinks show which factors allow such leaders to rise to power and why such a personality type shouldn’t necessarily lead a democratic society. Importantly, you’ll learn what can happen on an international scale when ill-suited “strong leaders” take the reins of a democracy.
The Myth of the Strong Leader Review
The Myth of the Strong Leader (2014) by Archie Brown is a thought-provoking exploration of leadership that challenges the notion of strongman politics. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers an in-depth analysis of leaders throughout history, debunking the myth of the strong leader and highlighting the importance of democratic leadership.
- Through a range of compelling case studies and evidence, the book demonstrates that successful leadership is not about charisma and dominance, but about adaptability, collaboration, and inclusivity.
- With its well-reasoned arguments and insightful observations, the book engages readers, providing a fresh perspective on leadership and its impact on society.
Best quote from The Myth of the Strong Leader
A leader who loses the confidence of a large proportion of senior colleagues can hardly survive in a democracy.
—Archie Brown
Who should read The Myth of the Strong Leader?
- Students of politics or history
- People curious how authoritarian leaders rise to power
- Aspiring leaders who want to lead fairly
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The Myth of the Strong Leader FAQs
What is the main message of The Myth of the Strong Leader?
The main message of The Myth of the Strong Leader is that effective leadership is not about strongman politics, but about collaboration and adaptability.
How long does it take to read The Myth of the Strong Leader?
The reading time for The Myth of the Strong Leader varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Myth of the Strong Leader a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Myth of the Strong Leader is a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional notions of leadership. It offers valuable insights for anyone interested in politics or organizational management.
Who is the author of The Myth of the Strong Leader?
The author of The Myth of the Strong Leader is Archie Brown.
What to read after The Myth of the Strong Leader?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Myth of the Strong Leader, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- The Box by Marc Levinson
- The Road to Character by David Brooks
- Principles For Dealing With the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio
- Leadership BS by Jeffrey Pfeffer
- Power Play by Tim Higgins
- Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult by Jon Gordon & Amy P. Kelly
- MegaThreats by Nouriel Roubini
- Original Love by Henry Shukman
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl