The sexual behavior of a leader has always been an issue that can have both positive and negative effects on their leadership abilities. When a leader is involved in a sexual scandal, it can result in significant damage to their reputation, credibility, and public image.
Some psychological strategies can help them mitigate the impact of such events on their authority. This article will discuss four such strategies employed by leaders to maintain their position and influence even after being embroiled in a sexual scandal.
Leaders may try to downplay the severity of the situation by minimizing its significance. They may deny the allegations or claim that they are false, untrue, or exaggerated.
Bill Clinton denied having an affair with Monica Lewinsky during his presidency despite overwhelming evidence. He claimed that he did not have sex with her but had "a lapse of judgment." He also blamed the media for sensationalizing the matter and creating a "vast right-wing conspiracy" against him. By dismissing the allegations as insignificant, leaders hope to preserve their image and authority among their followers.
Leaders may take full responsibility for their actions and apologize to their followers. This strategy works best when the leader's wrongdoing is undeniable and when there is no denying any guilt. Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, apologized for wearing blackface while teaching a class at school decades ago. He admitted his mistake, acknowledged his privilege, and expressed regret for his behavior. By taking responsibility, Trudeau showed that he was accountable for his actions and sought forgiveness from his supporters.
Leaders may try to reframe the scandal as a personal issue rather than one related to their leadership. They may emphasize that it does not affect their ability to lead effectively and focus on their achievements instead. Former President Donald Trump used this strategy after the Access Hollywood tape where he boasted about grabbing women without consent became public. He claimed that it was just "locker room talk" and that it did not represent who he was as a person or president. Similarly, Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, minimized the sexual harassment charges leveled against him by claiming that they were only made up because he was "too busy with Brexit."
Leaders may use humor to deflect attention away from the scandal.
Canadian politician Jody Wilson-Raybould joked about her affair with former attorney general Michael Wernick by calling herself a "drama queen." She said she had a "personal relationship," but it didn't mean anything. This strategy can be effective in breaking the tension and making the leader appear more human and relatable to followers. It also distracts them from focusing on the scandal and allows them to move forward positively.
Psychological strategies like downplaying the severity of the situation, taking full responsibility, reframing the scandal, and using humor can help leaders mitigate the impact of sexual scandals on their authority. Leaders need to understand how these events can harm their reputation, credibility, and public image and use appropriate tactics to overcome them.
What psychological strategies do leaders employ to mitigate the impact of sexual scandal on authority?
Leaders can mitigate the negative impact of sexual scandals by focusing on maintaining their credibility and trustworthiness within an organization or political sphere. When faced with such a situation, they should communicate transparently with stakeholders about what happened, why it happened, how it will be addressed, and what steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents from happening again in the future.