The winner effect: how power affects your brain. (2012)

“Fred Goodwin was only one of many leaders who seemed to get carried away. Psychology may have the clue, and the crucial ingredient in its explanation is power.”

Ian H. Robertson,  Professor of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin

Published by Bloomsbury

Having and wielding power has a profound, drug-like effect on mind and brain. The author provides many examples supporting this point beginning with the story of Fred Goodwin who allegedly threatened disciplinary action to the staff who allowed cheap pink wafers to be included in the directors’ board room.

“Fred Goodwin was only one of many people in leading positions who seemed to get carried away in the years leading up to the Lehman crash,” says Roberston. “Psychology may have the clue, and the crucial ingredient in its explanation is power.”

Access the book here: The Winner Effect: How Power Affects Your Brain, by Ian Robertson 

You can also view an extract published in The Pyschologist, 26(3) (March 2013) here: Extract – How Power Affects Your Brain