Alpha Male Syndrome

In this summary you will learn

• What alpha male traits are and why they can be harmful
• What to do about them
• How to identify the four types of alpha male
• What risks are linked with each type
• How to manage these risks whether you are an alpha male or work for one

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Why you should read Alpha Male Syndrome

Executive coaches Kate Ludeman and Eddie Erlandson do a lively job of presenting the pitfalls of the brilliant but overbearing boss who manifests the "alpha male syndrome." However, sometimes they wield a pretty broad brush. Take the statement, "We’ve observed that many leaders who fit the dysfunctional alpha male typology fall prey to sexual predation, becoming womanizers who use conquest and control to assert their dominance." This kind of wrap-up could leave you wondering who is the predator and who is the prey. Rounding out such proclamations is tricky, since the alpha male syndrome is not a standard psychological diagnosis, but the authors’ discovery and coinage. With those caveats, this sobriquet might help managers who need to understand why they abuse the people around them - and how to stop. Perhaps it is better for the alpha to see himself not as a vicious bully, but as a man burdened and blessed with a syndrome that has some positive features. Abused employees also may find some helpful coping mechanisms in this popular-style psychological analysis of their overbearing bosses. The book’s best advice is that alphas should manage stress with exercise and deep breathing - good counsel for anyone. Another good piece of advice is that alphas need, at least, executive coaching. getAbstract says they can start here.

About the Authors

Kate Ludeman, Ph.D., and Eddie Erlandson, M.D., are the principals in an executive coaching firm and have wide experience coaching leaders of major corporations. Ludeman is a psychologist and Erlandson is a former vascular surgeon.