The Apple of Discord

Summary

This video is a summary of the article ‘The Apple of Discord: When Leadership Sows Strife’. The video explores the darker aspects of leadership, focussing on the traits of Machiavellianism and sadism. Using exemplars from mythology — including Loki, Circe and Ares — it reveals how dark traits undermines leadership, harms colleagues and creates toxic cultures.

We discuss how Machiavellian leaders, driven by self interest, achieve short-term gains but at a high ethical cost, leading to the breakdown of relationships. And how sadistic leaders, motivated by a desire to inflict harm, cultivate fear and a toxic culture, leading to psychological damage.