Nassir Ghaemi
What’s inside
A First-Rate Madness’ explores the intriguing theory that many effective leaders throughout history had mental illnesses and that such disorders can contribute to exceptional leadership qualities. Author Nassir Ghaemi, a psychiatrist with a background in mood disorders, examines the lives and leadership of historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Martin Luther King Jr., among others, explaining how their personal struggles with mental health issues may have enhanced their leadership abilities in times of crisis.
You’ll Learn
- Gaining a new perspective on the benefits of mental health struggles
- Understanding the historical impact of mental illness on leadership
- Learning how crisis situations can be better managed
- Recognizing the importance of mental diversity in leadership
Key Points
- Mental illnesses and great leadership often coincide
- Crisis leadership benefits from traits found in mood disorders
- Resilience and creativity as byproducts of mental struggles
- Historical leaders’ mental health challenges
- The concept of ‘the sane madman’
- The downside of mental health in stable times
- Mental diversity in leadership teams
Who’s it For
- Students of history
- Psychology enthusiasts
- Leadership scholars
- Anyone interested in the intersection of mental health and leadership
About the author
Nassir Ghaemi is a psychiatrist specializing in depression and bipolar disorder. He is a professor of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and also teaches at Harvard Medical School. Ghaemi is known for his work on the relationship between mental illness and leadership.