Dynamic Capabilities for People-Centric Management in Turbulent Times

Abstract

We have all observed examples of poor leaders who exhibit dark side behaviors like destructive and negative leadership, narcissism, greed, and more. Sometimes it seems like some powerful Sith Lord from Star Wars has seduced managers and leaders to the Dark Side of The Force. Powerful forces inside and outside of the organization combined with the leader's personality traits can combine to bring out the dark side of many managers and leaders. The question becomes, can a management structure be created to combat the Sith Lord to make good leaders Jedi Knights and steer weaker leaders toward the good side of The Force. We believe that a people-centric approach to management design can do exactly that, but it is not easy. Developing the dynamic capabilities needed for a people-centric approach to management requires reflection and objective evaluation of many intangible, unseen, forces that are constantly at work in all organizations. Readers of this chapter are exposed to a model for people-centric management and asked probing questions to encourage them to consider many elements of a dynamic people-centric organization. I hope that with reflection, readers can gain insight into their organizations and find ways to develop Jedi Knights to defeat the evil Sith Lord.