Reflections on Leadership and Career Development

On the Couch with Manfred Kets de Vries

"Manfred Kets de Vries is in a unique and special position to analyze leadership, human development, behavior, and what it takes to be an outstanding leader. Manfred's book, like all his other works, is worth reading several times, preserving it for reading again and again and to reflect and learn." - B Muthuraman, Managing Director, Tata Steel Ltd.

"At a very practical level [Manfred Kets de vries] has affected for the better the lives of probably more leaders-and therefore their followers-than anyone else alive. In this book, in an empathic and thoroughly compelling way, he draws on his long coaching career and deeply personal experiences of his own to throw light on leadership, the relationship between leaders and followers, and the challenges we all must face. If you care about these things (and who does not?). you will not be able to put this book down." - John Whitehead, Secretary to the Treasury, New Zealand

"This book is a real Bible for anyone striving not only to live with, but to comprehend all the subtleties, ideals, and life roles of a leader in modern society." - Nicholas Chitov, CEO of City Mortgage Bank

"Through the clinical lens which Manfred Kets de Vries so aptly applies to business settings, the reader is guaranteed to meet himself, and-who knows-intrigued to go further on the journey of self-examination." - Philippe Haspeslagh, Dean, Vlerick Leuven gent Management School

"In this important book, [Manfred Kets de Vries] pauses to look back and review what he has learned over the years. The result is remarkably insightful on several counts; readers will learn much on leadership and career development. they will also better understand the personal and professional development of a giant among leadership scholars." - Jean-Francois Manzoni, Professor of Leadership and Organizational development, IMD

"Through a unique understanding of the 'inner theater,' Manfred Kets de Vries provokes leaders to reflect on drivers of their behavior and of those around them. This book provides insight o the tools needed to create high performance teams and achieve personal fulfillment throughout a journey in leadership." - Paul Geason, group Managing Director, Telstra

"Whether you are a leader or a follower, after having read this book you will be the opposite, or both. And if not, you will at least understand the neurotic leader, whether it is in your boos, or in yourself. Maybe even in your spouse." - Christian Dreyer, CEO, Hansen Sicherheitstechnik AG, Munich

"This new book is a collection of Manfred's intelligence and wisdom. His concept of constructive narcissism will help a lot of leaders to understand themselves and others. Manfred is like good wine, the older the better." - Salem Samhoud, Founder, & Samhoud

"In his latest book, Manfred Kets de Vries successfully combines his versatility of roles-as an academic entrepreneur, psychoanalyst, consultant, leadership coach, and professor-to produce an academic classic on leadership from eh perspective of career development." - Vaseehar Hassan, Chairman, Unicorn International Islamic Bank, Malaysia