Why Jared Diamond’s leadership book on prophets, coaches and kings is flawed but fun
Like Guns, Germs and Steel, this book is ambitious, provocative and imperfect. It’s also difficult to put down.
Jared Diamond's latest book, Profits, Prophets, Coaches and Kings: (When) Do Leaders Matter?, examines the impact of leaders in various fields such as politics, business, sport and religion. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author presents an accessible and entertaining read, showcasing a diverse range of examples that span across different industries.
Diamond's central idea is that leaders do matter, but only under specific conditions, rather than subscribing to either the "great man" theory or structural determinism. However, the book has its flaws and limitations. The "Hamlet test," which Diamond uses to explore counterfactual history, is a form of speculation that cannot be verified and often lacks meaning.
Additionally, the selection of case studies is biased, favoring exceptional and unusual leaders, which may not represent the average or mediocre leaders who could provide more insightful understanding. Another flaw is the lack of consideration for the different skill sets, criteria for success, and constraints faced by leaders in various industries.
Lastly, the book pays little attention to the role of gender in leadership, focusing predominantly on men and excluding women who may have played significant roles in leadership positions.
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