The Shadow Side of Power: Lessons for Leaders by Patricia A. McLagan

Author:Patricia A. McLagan
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Changing World Press
Published: 2013-11-10T18:30:00+00:00

The Lesson: Be a leader who is COURAGEOUS in the face of conflict, challenge, and uncertainty.

CHAPTER 13

Sixth Circle:

Abusers of Rank

There was a loud ringing in my ears and I felt unable to move, as though wrapped in cellophane. Vaguely aware of a kind of supersonic descent, my stomach in my throat, I felt part of an avalanche or earthquake, rapidly falling, slipping, sliding. A swirl of images swung clockwise around me. Minos’ face and penetrating eyes appeared fleetingly in various stages of glare. Peneth, too. I was aware that she was nearby but it was a feeling and I couldn’t see her.

I heard a loud thump and bounced violently.

“This is as far as I can take you without you being here for cause and forever,” Minos informed me.

The elevator opened into what seemed to be an antechamber to an underground vault. Something resonated–a fleeting image. But the vault was in the distance and was heavily guarded by agitated, big-fanged dogs straining mightily at their leashes.

“We’re approaching the core of the Leadership Inferno and won’t pass into or out of it easily or without pain,” said Peneth.” I will try my best to lead us through, but I’ve requested additional help from those more powerful than I.”

At that moment there was a violent commotion near the vault door. Three winged and shrouded creaturesviii, half bird, half human, descended, further agitating the guard dogs. The creatures cackled a challenge.

The creatures cackled a challenge. “In the last centuries we, the Furies, welcomed the darkest shadows of self-absorbed regulators, tax officials, and investment managers. As their mouthpieces and standing in for the evil Archangel himself, we will not let you violate a space that their dark sides have helped shape and maintain. Beyond this door you may not go, for it is under our control. Do not disturb.”

At that point I heard the Furies utter what sounded like a curse or spell.

“Let all the consciously destructive forces of the universe converge here to stop this invasion by those who would rob us of our worldly servants. Sister Medusaix, whose stare will turn this intruder into stone and prevent him from returning to Earth as our enemy, we conjure you to work with us and stop his passing. Freeze him forever in space and time as our eternal prisoner!”

I hadn’t read a lot of classical mythology, but I knew that Medusa meant big trouble! I felt a surge of hot wind.

“We are moving into the grips of much more powerful forces, Adderley, “Peneth explained. “Turn away from the vault.”

She put her hands over my eyes and wouldn’t let go for an interminable period (Minutes? Months? Years? Eons?). I had an irresistible temptation to take a quick peek. Hazy thoughts of Lot’s wife and Sodom and Gomorrah mingled. Peneth cried out to something or someone to help us.

The hot winds suddenly shifted, and a cool springlike breeze enveloped us. A brief brush of something fragrant passed by. The dogs quieted down. Peneth released her tight hold over my eyes.

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