How to Identify "Toxic Leaders"?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:38:55 -0400

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 17 at 2015 2:42 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:42:04 -0400

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

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 2:46 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:46:14 -0400

I responded with "I have seen them everywhere in both Officers and NCOs Ranks..."

It's a problem that is more widespread in some commands than others. It needs to be addressed, but typically doing it as a subordinate is a bad idea. try to approach the leader's peer and have them discuss it. I will say though that this doesn't always work. I have tried this approach with peers of mine and sometimes they are receptive, but I'd say nearly 50% of the time they are not, with a small percentage actually getting worse afterwards.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 17 at 2015 2:48 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:48:45 -0400

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".

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 17 at 2015 2:59 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:59:31 -0400

Not sure of just what that is, but with the downsizing, I wouldn't want that term in my evaluations. Could be very career limiting.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 3:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 15:17:56 -0400

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.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 11:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 23:44:05 -0400

It is extremely difficult to live and work under a toxic leader. I have and it is no picnic.
Best course of action is to be extraordinarily professional. Toxic people identify themselves, and sooner or later get theirs.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 18 at 2015 5:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 17:45:49 -0400

Often the unit is miserable at work.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Sep 18 at 2015 7:40 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 19:40:08 -0400

As long as the drawdown is going on, why not get rid of the trash, too?