Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box

Leadership and Self-Deception was written by the Arbinger Institute, a leadership and organizational development firm founded in 1979 by philosopher Dr. C. Terry Warner. With a foundation in moral philosophy and human behavior, Arbinger’s work centers on the idea that self-deception, or failing to recognize how one contributes to problems, undermines both leadership and collaboration. Its approach merges theory with practice, offering mindset-based strategies to help individuals and teams shift from blame and defensiveness to accountability and empathy.

The Arbinger Institute’s credibility stems from decades of consulting with Fortune 500 companies, governments, military units, nonprofits, and healthcare institutions. Its training programs have been implemented in over 30 countries and translated into multiple languages, which highlights the wide relevance of its principles across industries and cultures. The book’s fictional narrative style reflects Arbinger’s emphasis on experiential learning, aiming to make complex ideas accessible and applicable without relying on abstract jargon or academic framing. While rooted in professional development, Arbinger’s frameworks have also been applied in education, family dynamics, and community work, which extends the book’s impact beyond the corporate setting. Arbinger’s continued presence in leadership circles, combined with a consistent focus on mindset transformation, positions the institute as a leading