enjoying being the center of attention, insisting upon being shown a great deal of respect,
exhibitionism, and arrogance.” The analysts’ ratings correlated almost perfectly with the size of the
CEOs’ photos.
At Enron, in that prescient 1997 report, the spotlight was on Ken Lay. Of the first nine pages, two
were dominated by giant full-page images of Lay and then-COO Jeff Skilling. The pattern continued
in 1998 and 1999, with full-page photos of Lay and Skilling. By 2000, Lay and Skilling had moved up
to pages four and five, albeit with smaller images. There were four different photos of each of them,
like a filmstrip—only they were better fit for a cartoon. Three of the photos of Lay were virtually
identical, revealing the subtle, smug smile of an executive who knew he was special. A fairy-tale
ending was not in the cards for Lay, who died of a heart attack before sentencing.
So far, we’ve looked at two different ways to recognize takers. First, when we have access to
reputational information, we can see how people have treated others in their networks. Second, when
we have a chance to observe the actions and imprints of takers, we can look for signs of lekking. Self-
glorifying images, self-absorbed conversations, and sizable pay gaps can send accurate, reliable
signals that someone is a taker. Thanks to some dramatic changes in the world since 2001, these
signals are easier to spot today than ever before. Networks have become more transparent, providing
us with new windows through which we can view other people’s reputations and lekking.
michael s
(Michael S)
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