Is "Toxic Leadership" more than what we thought it was?

2015-03-03T11:05:16-05:00

This blog captures pieces of a larger study in a quick 2-3 page read. It argues that toxicity is more than the "angry and disruptive" leader who sets a bad command climate. While not necessarily new ground here, it's possible that a commander who shirks his duty is just as toxic as one who is a megalomaniac and is abusive. Wouldn't we call a mother who doesn't provide for her children toxic? What's the difference between the abusive parent and the neglecting parent in the long run. How do we quantify damage to a Command Climate? Something to think about.
https://medium.com/the-smoking-gun/toxic-5b93097f532c

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TOXIC — Beyond the Objective

Understanding The Dark Side of Leadership

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 12:43 PM

2015-03-03T12:43:33-05:00

I certainly agree. Someone who has a harsh personality is more likely to get labeled as a toxic leader, but that doesn't mean they are. Judge leaders by the results. My first team leader rarely spoke to any junior enlisted without cussing them out. I didn't emulate that part of his leadership style, but I would never consider him a toxic leader, because beneath the rough exterior, he DID respect me.
Success has been measured by how little damage or loss we sustain for so long that leaders seem to have forgotten that there ARE missions to achieve. These types are the real toxic leaders. They are the ones that sap an organization of it's energy, quality people and break morale.