Toxic leader or bad boss? The distinction is important.
Many of us have experienced poor leadership in our days but what is truly toxic? As a man who likes to define things I found this in Wikipedia. "The leadership style of toxic leaders is both personally self-destructive and ultimately corporately harmful - as they subvert and destroy organizational structures."
A bad boss may just be weak in certain areas like communicating, delegating, or having the courage to stand up for what is right or for one of their people. They may lack experience as many leaders do. They may also be working under very demanding leadership which influences how they lead. The difference between a toxic leader and a bad boss boils down to intent. What is driving a leader to behave the way they are? Is there malice or forethought behind bad behavior? Is there a trend of bad behavior? Is it destructive or just a nuisance? It is important to know.
One should use caution with labels, especially toxic. The label of racist is used way too much these days, almost as a default when disagreeing with a person's political views. Racist, like toxic is a serious and damming label. Both require proof. So how do you know?
While it is difficult to determine the true intent of a person's behavior, one should try. Toxic acts are usually done with malicious intent. A leader intends to harm so they deliberately act in a way which is destructive. These people often have personality flaws. They probably lack confidence and have big egos. Below are some behaviors to help us see the difference. Again, intent is important and it is not right to label a boss bad or toxic off a single event or behavior, I'll use these to illustrate the difference and as indicators to dig deeper.
Berating a person in front of a group, especially if they use harmful language. Toxic.
Fails to delegate. Bad Boss.
Lies in order to cover up things or hide his or her shortfalls. Toxic.
Micromanages. Wants to walk you through each step of the task to ensure you get it right. Bad Boss.
What can be done about this? Step one is determining what you have for a leader. The next step would be confronting the behavior. There are diplomatic ways to handle that conversation and I can help you. Perhaps a bad boss can overcome his or her flaws but if you have a deeply toxic leader, you may not be able to confront that person. Finally if the behavior does not change. You owe it to yourself to leave or, if possible, attempt to have the leader removed.
Work hard to know the difference. Use caution when labeling a leader. Seek counsel from a peer, another leader or a coach.
I'm never too busy for a referral. Make the connection to a leader today and I'll invest in them and the people they serve.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell