Posted on Mar 3, 2015
Is "Toxic Leadership" more than what we thought it was?
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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
Invite others to respond
https://medium.com/the-smoking-gun/toxic-5b93097f532c
Invite others to respond
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Toxic Leadership
Command Climate
Toxic Leadership Command Climate
Posted 9 y ago
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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.
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.
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COL (Join to see)
That's what the piece argues. Not sure it throws away the initial notion that abusive leaders are also toxic. One of the issues we have had is a pure focus on mission accomplishment...which leads to some people using the whip to get people moving quickly versus taking the time to build a team and foster a good command climate while making the long fight. The whip will always get them moving NOW. In the long run though, you collapse from being beaten so often.
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SSgt (Join to see)
COL (Join to see) Sir, I think I'm saying the same thing. However, I'm tired of thin skinned people seeing toxic leaders everywhere they look. We are a military service. We don't give haircuts, sell flowers, or create art. We fight the enemies of the United States of America. I'm not advocating for brutal self serving, self centered leaders, but I think a lot of times soldiers just need to grow a pair, drink water and drive on. The leaders who I have experienced who did damage to an organization were the ones who WERE NOT willing to take any risks for their troops.
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