SUMMARY - The Myth of the Strong Leader
The Myth of the Strong Leader: Rethinking Political Leadership
The appeal of the "strong leader"—decisive, commanding, willing to override obstacles and opposition—recurs throughout political history and remains powerful today. Yet evidence consistently shows that leaders who concentrate power and dismiss collaboration produce worse outcomes than those who build coalitions, delegate effectively, and work within institutional constraints. Understanding why the strong leader myth persists despite its poor track record helps citizens evaluate leaders more effectively.