Uproar: Calm Leadership in Anxious Times

Consultant Steinke explores the impact and responsibilities of business leaders during tumultuous times in this distinctive study. He touts psychiatrist Murray Bowen’s theory, based on research into parent-child dynamics, that the strength of “systems” such as families and companies depends primarily on the emotional health of those in charge. Steinke argues that, thanks to a plethora of causes including “recession, two wars, worries about jobs,” and simply “sheer massive change,” the U.S. is in a state he dubs “Uproar,” a time of widespread confusion and dislocation. At such times, how leaders deal with anxiety—their own and others—will make all the difference. As a contrast to effective leadership, Steinke discusses the “lizard brain,” the instinctual level of the human mind, which reacts to perceived threats automatically, not reflectively. To counter this tendency, Steinke shows how leaders can adopt a “non-anxious presence” and stay on guard for major anxiety triggers, namely “disruptions,” “feeling trapped,” “threat,” “differences,” “uncertainty,” and “depletion.” Steinke includes numerous examples, such as of a newly appointed CEO who pacified feuding departments by creating a workers’ bonus pool. Readers in leadership and support roles alike will find much to ponder and draw on as they struggle to maintain balance and keep their composure at times of stress at work. (Feb.)