What kind of relationship do destructive group leaders have with their followers?
The leader(s) most often defines what is right and wrong and their followers are expected to essentially defer making value judgements of their own regarding any issue of significant importance. And any member of the group who questions or doubts the authority of the leader is likely to be labeled wrong, rebellious, suppressive, negative and in some situations even “demon possessed” or “satanic.” No area of a member or follower’s life appears to be immune from such a group’s scrutiny and/or criticism. A kind of learned dependency often becomes a pivotal factor in such relationships. Members or followers seem highly dependent upon their leaders to resolve their problems and provide them with clarity and purpose.
