Why Some Good Leaders Change (For the Worse)—and How Great Teams Prevent It
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
— Lord John Dalberg-Acton
In our most recent four blog posts, we looked at the pitfalls of leadership through the lens of Brian Klaas’s excellent book on the topic, Corruptible. Klaas’s insights resonated with me because they mirror what I have observed in my own work helping leaders build a foundation for sustainable success.
Power Without Guardrails Is a Recipe for Drift
Over the years, I’ve observed humble, well-intentioned leaders I thought I knew well change as they ascended the rungs of power—they gradually became less collaborative, less accountable, and ultimately, less effective. Why does this happen?
It turns out that the answer isn’t solely about personal character—it’s about the power of the position. Power rewires the brain. Neuroscience indicates that as leaders gain authority, the areas of the brain that govern empathy—the mirror neurons—become less active. Decision-making becomes more self-referential. And when cultural reinforcing systems diminish, even the best can stray from who they were.
Systems Are the Silent Architects of Sustainable Greatness
Peak Performance isn’t random—it requires reinforcement. It occurs when strong systems quietly align individuals to a shared identity: a clear Purpose, a collective Vision, and a set of Guiding Principles that is evident in daily behaviors.
When culture is strong, expectations are clear, and feedback is valued, leaders are held accountable to be true to their best selves. That’s why reinforcing systems are essential:
- They institutionalize values.
- They set boundaries for Peak Performance.
- They reward humility and service, not dominance and control.
- They constantly challenge us to grow and learn and become more informed—to become the best versions of ourselves.
What to Look for in Leaders of Sustainably Successful Teams
Instead of depending on good intentions, we must evaluate and enhance the right attributes. As we discussed more fully in our post on those we choose to be leaders, there are four essential traits in leaders who build sustainably successful teams:
- A Growth Mindset
- A Servant Purpose
- Trust and Integrity
- Caring and Respect
At the core of each of these traits is humility.
Great Cultures Don’t Leave Greatness to Chance
Organizations that thrive over time are not built on heroic individuals but on healthy systems. These systems:
- Reinforce a servant purpose.
- Support ethical behavior.
- Provide feedback—even when it’s uncomfortable.
The real work that creates Peak Performance isn’t flashy; it’s quiet, consistent, and purposeful. In the long run, it enables team members to trust one another, allowing them to perform at their best, even under the highest pressure.
Let’s stop asking why good leaders change. Instead, let’s ask:
What systems should we be reinforcing to prevent the best in all of us from slipping away?