How to Identify "Toxic Leaders"?

SFC, I don't think in my personal opinion we have to identify them. Normally they do it to themselves with their actions, attitudes, and beliefs that are inflicted on the troops under them. Maybe what should be asked is "how to rid ourselves of them properly, and not get rid of someone just because someone else doesn't like them". Most leaders I've had weren't popular; but they were extremely effective in getting the mission accomplished, and taking care of the troops in the process. We need those. What we don't need are NCO's who have rank just for themselves; the hell with the creed, or officers who only look for that next promotion and would screw over their battles to get it. Problem is, we see way too many of the bad types making it, and the ones who really care, mentor, and want others to excel get passed over because they're not part of the "In Crowd".

I think the best way to get rid of toxic leadership is through mentoring at all levels, leader involvement (especially needed for accurate evaluations), quarterly counseling, and accurate in depth evaluations. The new Army OER/NCOER system is forcing leader involvement, but we have a ways to go. I personally feel that quality mentorship from the beginning of a leader's career will go far towards nipping toxic leadership in the bud before it starts, or at least identify those who are prone to it and remove them before they have a chance to have an effect.

Unfortunately they are everywhere. What to do with them? Good question. Provide retraining and document it. If nothing changes time to go bye-bye!