Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures [Paperback]

Gary L. McIntosh (Author), Samuel D. Rima (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2007

The Christian world has been rocked by the number of prominent leaders, in both church and parachurch organizations, who have been compromised by moral, ethical, and theological failures. This pace-setting volume addresses this alarming problem and offers Christian leaders valuable guidance in dealing with the inherent risks of their work.
Using biblical and current examples, the authors describe the characteristics of five types of leaders and the problems that are most likely to develop if their particular dysfunctions develop unrestrained. McIntosh and Rima offer a series of steps for leaders to consider so they can take control of their dark side and learn to harness its creative powers. This edition includes a new introduction, updated information throughout, a self-assessment tool, and other additional material. Includes endorsements from John Maxwell, Leighton Ford, Leith Anderson, and Rob Angel.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"I recommend Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership . . . to anyone striving to overcome obstacles in order to become a more effective leader."--John Maxwell, founder, Injoy


The Christian world has been rocked by the number of prominent leaders, in both church and parachurch organizations, who have been compromised by moral, ethical, and theological failures. Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership addresses this alarming problem and offers Christian leaders valuable guidance in dealing with the inherent risks of their work.

Using biblical and current examples, the authors describe the characteristics of five types of leaders and the problems they are most likely to have if their particular dysfunctions develop unrestrained. McIntosh and Rima offer a series of steps for leaders to consider so they can take control of their dark side and learn to harness its creative powers. This edition includes a new introduction, updated information throughout, a self-assessment tool, and more.


"Gary and Sam give leaders permission to confront the darkest battles within in order to serve others in life-transforming ways. For all who are bold enough to embark on this courageous journey, redemption, restoration, and renewal will be your rewards."--Dr. Stephen A. Macchia, founder and president, Leadership Transformations, Inc.

"McIntosh and Rima have done a masterful job of helping leaders avoid the pitfalls that have consumed far too many leaders. This is a must-read for any leader who is serious about taking his or her leadership to the next level."--Dr. Albert L. Winseman, global practice leader for faith communities, The Gallup Organization

"Every leader has a 'shadow' side, like the dark side of the moon--areas that are disguised or perhaps explored but unrecognized. I am convinced that our leadership will be stronger and the dangers of collapse lesser if we become aware of these dark areas and bring them into the light early."--Leighton Ford, president, Leighton Ford Ministries

Gary L. McIntosh is president of the Church Growth Network and professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology. He leads seminars and has written several books, including Biblical Church Growth and Beyond the First Visit.

Samuel D. Rima is director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Bethel Seminary, where he is also a faculty member in the Center for Transformational Leadership. He is the author of Leading from the Inside Out and Rethinking the Successful Church.

About the Author

Gary L. McIntosh is president of the Church Growth Network and professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology. He leads seminars and has written several books, including Biblical Church Growth and Beyond the First Visit.

Samuel D. Rima is director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Bethel Seminary, where he is also a faculty member in the Center for Transformational Leadership. He is the author of Leading from the Inside Out and Rethinking the Successful Church.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books; Revised edition (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801068355
• ISBN-13: 978-0801068355
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,474 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Church Administration
  • #66 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Ministry

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Confronting Latent Failures While Becoming an Effective Leader, January 8, 2008

By 

Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures (Paperback)

In this revised edition of "Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership" authors, Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima reflect on what they have experienced and observed in Christian leadership during the ten years since the first edition was first published. Gary and Sam both share from the conflict in their own personal experiences which brought them to a place of recognizing their personal dysfunction and the importance of taking proactive steps in their journey of self discovery, healing and fulfillment..

Part one of the book helps the reader understand more fully what the dark side of personality is and how it develops. Part two deals with discovery of the dark side of leadership the reader may be dealing with personally. Part three discusses overcoming the dark side and offers a five-step plan for accomplishing this.

Additional chapters have been included to cover topics such as: The dangers of the dark side, and the process of spiritual composting. The appendix has been expanded by adding a section to help the reader identify their dark side.

Examples from the failures of Biblical and contemporary Christian leaders are used to illustrate various dysfunctions in the leadership styles of the compulsive leader, the narcissistic leader, the paranoid leader, the codependent leader, and the passive-aggressive leader.

I found the "targeting insights," and "applying insights" featured at the end of each chapter to be practical and helpful tools for self discovery.

This edition of "Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership" has a new subtitle which offers new help to the reader, "How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures. By melding relevant and significant information with proactive steps for today's Christian leaders, Gary L. McIntosh and Samuel D. Rima help their readers avoid the risks and consequences of making untimely devastating decisions that would taint the effectiveness of their personal testimony and the reputations of the Christian church.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An opportunity for leaders, May 23, 2008

By 

L. Macaria - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures (Paperback)

McIntosh and Rima have provided an opportunity for every leader to discover their dark side - that hidden part of their personality that may explain their drive to lead.

They explain that our motivations may come from the desire to satisfy unmet needs and existential debts, and that significant experiences may cause us to have particularly strong drives that never seem to get satisfied. These strong drives may push us beyond outstanding leadership, to leadership failure that negatively affects others as well as ourselves if we do not recognize, harness, and transform our drives. It is a process of discovery, of bringing what is hidden into the light of awareness and understanding. Finally, we can overcome our dark side through God's grace and a new understanding of our identity and value that does not depend on performance and achievement, freeing and transforming our leadership.

A very worthwhile read, especially, if one takes the journey of self-discovery in the process.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent work, March 22, 2009

By 

Noah Angel "Noah Angel" (Jefferson City, Mo. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to Become an Effective Leader by Confronting Potential Failures (Paperback)

I am a student at the doctoral level and Dr. McIntosh book was a required text. It really hit home, I could not stop reading until almost half way, It was a forced break. It is easy to read, and put me face to face with my dark side. As a plus Dr. McIntosh was a guess professor at my seminary, and I had the opportunity to have lunch with him, and have him sign my book. It was an uplifting experience hear him to share how he overcame his dark side.
Noah Angel
Jefferson City, Mo.