Self-Handicapping: From Business School to Leadership

The concept of self-handicapping has been widely researched in the psychology and education literature, but remains absent from the business/leadership literature. Selfhandicapping is the process where individuals attempt to externalize a potential failure by means of an excuse or reduced effort. Each creates obstacles to leadership success. It is caused by uncertainty and the need to manage impressions rather than focus on mastering competence. This process is often learned and reinforced in education and finally manifests itself in poor educational habits and leadership. It can be overcome in several ways. The authors believe that a focus on self-handicapping behaviors should be part of every business school curriculum with special attention devoted to the relationship between self-handicapping and leadership. To become exceptional leaders, students must learn what behaviors are preventing them from learning and growing as a leader.