Episode: 792

Episode Title: Toxic Leadership 

How might leaders be contributing to a toxic workplace? Here are some of the worst ways to lead, coming up next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 792 show:

This is The Perna Syndicate and I’m glad you’re here! Like many things in the world of work, a toxic work culture often begins with the leadership. If leaders are toxic, others within the organization will feel free to copy the same negative behaviors. And what’s more, those leaders will also hire in new people who, they feel sure, won’t challenge the current status quo. 

One of the biggest toxic behaviors that many leaders display is expecting employees to work longer hours or weekends with no additional pay. This is especially evident in the tech industry, where staying on the cutting edge can come with a high price for your work-life balance.

Employees who don’t comply with the expectation of basically working for free are often passed over for promotions and stretch assignments, in favor of those who will volunteer their time and expertise at no cost.

Other toxic behaviors on the part of leaders include poor communication and not  listening to employees. Many times, toxic leaders also lack accountability and fail to take responsibility for their own, or their team’s, actions. Let the blame-shifting and scapegoating begin.  

Finally, managers who play favorites and treat individuals unfairly are another source of toxicity. Favoritism should have no place in the workforce, and yet it can so easily creep in. 

Even though it may gain short-term victories by running roughshod over people, toxic leadership never wins in the end. 

Tomorrow: How can employees hold their leaders accountable for toxic behaviors at work? We’ll cover that and more next time on The Perna Syndicate. See you then!