When a leader is manipulated

Directors need to be alert about behavioural changes in a powerful leader - a situation that could require quiet intervention

In my August 3 column, I explored the challenge faced by independent directors when an iconic leader in the company is accused of an ethical misdemeanor. In this column, I will explore another dilemma: How do you recognise when a powerful leader comes under the manipulative influence of another person? The situation could be really tricky. 

Two cases that are in the courts appear below. Facts have been assembled from published reports because I have no personal knowledge of them. The cases happen to illustrate my point about the directors’ dilemma.

First example: Some years ago, a controversy broke about Priyamvada Birla’s