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Leadership Style - Kakistocracy in the Spotlight

 

LeadershipWe know leaders and leadership styles come in all shapes and styles, this month we put Kakistocracy in the spotlight. 

Kakistocracy has its origins in politics and government, with associated commentary, ‘leadership by the ineptest or least competent’. Described as ‘a government run by the worst, least qualified or most unscrupulous citizens’. English author Thomas Love Peacock in 1829 using the term as the opposite of aristocracy, meaning ‘excellent’ in Greek. 

Kakistocracy is a leadership style driven by favouritism, not progress, occurring when those rising to the leader position do so on charisma rather than skills and capability. Appearances and ego lead over expertise and meaningful outcomes. It’s all about self-interest and ineptitude is part of an incompetent skill set. 

In modern times it appears and is evident in a range of organizations, from big corporations to small Business, community and non-profit groups.  

Features of kakistocracy leadership: 

  • Organizations that are directionless, often floundering under Management without clear purpose.  
  • Leaders surround themselves with like-minded supporters that go with the flow, don't speak, while dissenting voices are ignored.  
  • Decision making becomes insular, reactive, and poor decisions are overlooked. The resulting fallout is flourishing incompetence stifling creativity, morale and innovation.    
  • Boards, Governing Bodies and Committees may sidestep the challenges of responsibility and accountability, valuing loyalty instead. This avoidance leaves those ill-equipped to lead still leading. 

How to avoid kakistocracy in your Company

  1. Develop structures and systems of Recruitment based on meeting ‘the necessary skills and requirements’ for the position.   
  1. Appointments and selection that are made on competence not privilege.  
  1. Build strong and resilient leadership with accountable decision-making underpinned by collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. 

Putting your Business in the Leadership spotlight: 

  • What is your leadership style?  
  • How effective and accountable are your organizational structures and systems? 

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