As an executive leadership coach, I have observed and encountered toxic behaviors in many people who are leaders. What some leaders misunderstand is that leadership is not about exerting control or authority; it’s about guiding, inspiring, and elevating others to achieve collective goals.
When leaders engage in toxic behaviors, they undermine trust, erode team morale, and stifle organizational success. These behaviors not only harm the individuals involved but also create a ripple effect that can damage the entire organization.
Identifying and addressing these toxic traits is crucial for fostering a healthy, productive work environment where everyone can thrive.
Here are seven toxic behaviors that have no place in effective leadership and why eliminating them is essential for long-term success.
Manipulation Disguised as Motivation
Manipulation is one of the most insidious forms of toxic leadership. When leaders manipulate their teams—whether through guilt, coercion, or deceit—they erode trust and respect. True leadership is about motivating others through inspiration and support, not through control. Manipulative leaders may achieve short-term results, but they do so at the cost of long-term loyalty and morale.
Blame Shifting Disguised as Accountability
Leaders who shift blame instead of taking responsibility set a dangerous precedent. While it may appear they’re holding others accountable, they’re actually avoiding responsibility themselves. True leadership involves owning mistakes and learning from them, building credibility, and empowering the team to take responsibility for their actions. Blame shifting weakens the entire team’s foundation.
Public Criticism Masquerading as Feedback
Publicly criticizing team members is not just harmful—it’s toxic. It damages confidence, destroys trust, and creates a hostile environment. Constructive feedback should always be delivered with respect and a focus on development, not humiliation.
Micromanagement That Stifles Initiative
Micromanagement is a clear sign of a lack of trust in the team’s abilities. Leaders who micromanage every detail stifle creativity, reduce employee engagement, and cause frustration. Instead of empowering their teams, they create dependency and resentment. A great leader knows when to step back, allowing their team the space to innovate and take ownership of their work.
Communication by Guesswork
Inconsistent communication creates confusion and misalignment. Clear, regular communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. When leaders fail to communicate effectively, they risk losing the trust and engagement of their team.
Favoritism That Breeds Resentment
Favoritism is a toxic behavior that can quickly divide a team and breed resentment. When leaders play favorites, they create an uneven playing field where some employees feel undervalued and overlooked. This not only damages morale but also undermines the trust and cohesion needed for a team to function effectively. Fairness and impartiality are essential traits of a strong leader.
Empathy Missing in Decision-Making
Leaders who lack empathy fail to consider the human impact of their decisions. This toxic behavior can lead to decisions that may be efficient in the short term but harmful in the long run. Empathy allows leaders to understand their team’s needs and perspectives, fostering an environment of respect and support. A lack of empathy alienates employees and weakens the leader’s connection to their team.
Choosing a Different Path
Toxic behaviors have no place in leadership. By rejecting manipulation, embracing accountability, providing respectful feedback, trusting your team, communicating clearly, treating everyone fairly, and leading with empathy, you can transform your leadership approach. These changes aren’t just beneficial—they’re necessary for creating a workplace where people want to contribute and grow.
Lead From Within: True leadership is not about wielding power, but about empowering others and cultivating behaviors that help them thrive.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- The Smart Way to Handle Toxic People
- 6 Toxic Beliefs That Will Ruin Your Leadership
- How to Recognize And Weed Out Toxic Leaders
- The Toxic Habits That Will Make You a Bad Leader
- Your Leadership is Toxic When You Do This
- 6 Toxic Ways Unfit Leaders Poison Company Cultures
- 7 Brilliant Ways to Handle Toxic People at Work
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.