We’ve all seen leaders who dodge accountability and embarrass their staff. Maybe they break into an awkward dance or plan a party after announcing layoffs. The disconnect isn’t just tone deaf — it’s laughable.
There is a silver lining, though. Bad leadership can be incredibly instructive. Every misstep, overreach and ego-driven decision reminds us that real leadership isn’t about pushing people down but about helping them rise.
In a post on the Jostle blog, writer Elle Holder outlines some traits of bad leadership so that you can chart your own path to the kind of leadership worth following. We share her thoughts in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
Bad leaders lack accountability. They often deflect criticism and blame others for mistakes. When leaders don’t have accountability, Holder says it sends a message to the team that it’s OK to shirk responsibility and avoid consequences. This erodes trust and morale as people become increasingly disengaged and disillusioned.
Bad leaders play favorites. Favoritism occurs, Holder says, when a leader shows preferential treatment to certain people based on personal relationships, friendships or irrelevant factors. This might look like giving the best accounts to favored employees, overlooking their mistakes or offering them faster promotions. Over time, favoritism can lead to a toxic work environment with decreased collaboration.
Bad leaders are dishonest. Dishonest leaders often show a range of bad behavior, from withholding important information to outright lying to people. When it comes down to it, dishonesty is a leadership killer, Holder says. It erodes trust and destroys the foundation of any successful team.
Bad leaders lack empathy. They simply don’t know how to connect with people on a personal level. Holder says bad leaders may be insensitive to others’ struggles or dismissive of their concerns. This bad leadership trait impacts the whole team. Collaboration suffers and people begin to feel like their work just doesn’t matter.
Bad leaders are defensive. According to Holder, when bad leaders are resistant to feedback, it’s a major roadblock. They may be unwilling to hear what people have to say and immediately want to argue, insisting they’re doing a great job despite proof otherwise. When leaders get defensive, Holder says it can lead to missed opportunities and a decline in overall organizational success.
While you may have to endure a bad leader from time to time, pay attention to their missteps. When you learn what not to do, you can provide the kind of leadership your team actually deserves.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Elle Holder contributes to the Jostle blog.
