In this paper, I argue for increased intellectual security in higher education. For this, I recommend greater attention to foundational studies and, specifically in leadership programs, to Machiavelli's depiction of the world as it is, rather than as we would like it to be. My perspective joins a growing body of administrative theory which includes realistic portrayals of both ethical action within institutions, and 'organizational evil' be the latter overt or covert. This critical view, illustrated by examples from my own classroom, stimulates reflection and argumentation among graduate students, provides useful guidelines for action in the field and restores much needed credibility to university preparation programs dominated at present by market imperatives.